Be Merciful: Drop the Rock

We live in a world that celebrates bravado and even ruthless behavior. Even the word meekness is thought to be weakness by many. Biblical meekness is actually restrained power; having the power over someone but exercising mercy instead.

To be sure, Jesus spoke truth and at times He was very straightforward especially to the religious elites. But we see the tenderhearted Jesus dealing with the woman about to be stoned for adultery. He challenged the religious leaders, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (John 8:7 NKJV). He forgave the woman’s sin without excusing the sin by telling her to go and sin no more.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians encouraged Christians to, “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). This scripture is certainly a recipe for strength held in restraint (meekness).

So how does this play out in our lives? We give people a little grace when we have the chance to nail them to the wall. Refrain from playing the “gotcha” game. We all need mercy and grace. Give people the ‘benefit of the doubt’ because you may need it tomorrow..

In my own life, I can replay the times when people had the power to cause me trouble. Instead of throwing rocks at me, they offered me mercy. Their kindness was a display of grace. I need to pay some of that back if I can. More than a payback, it is the response of one who has been forgiven by Jesus. Having received mercy, now I need to show mercy to others.

Today and from now on, let us take advantage of opportunities to be kind, tenderhearted, merciful, and forgiving. When we do, we will look a lot like Jesus!

My prayer: Father, thank you for your tender mercies toward me. I did not deserve forgiveness but because of your Son, no stones were thrown my way out of judgment. Help me to walk away from the pile of rocks once stacked against me. I take no rocks with me to hurl at others. As one who has been granted mercy and grace, help me to be like-minded as Christ. Let me give what I have received from Your hands; mercy, grace and forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt