Today’s Reading, Lamentations 3-5
Focal Scripture: Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.”
In a world that seems to hate everyone and everything, it is nice to know that our God is one that is full of mercy. When you engage with people they often will not show mercy unless you think the way they do about topics. I know this to be true in many circles especially religious and political. Too often people write others off because of major disagreements. They don’t leave room for conversation or for dialogue. I am not saying that we shouldn’t be proponents of the truth or fight for what is right. I am saying that even when we disagree we need to show mercy in how we treat others.
In today’s focal verse we see this phrase show up when in the middle of judgement and it says “because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish because his mercies never end.” If anyone has the right to turn people away because of them being wrong it is the Lord. He can shun people and reject them, he could even destroy them immediately. However, instead of doing that he shows people mercy. He shows Israel mercy and he shows us mercy.
I am not sure where you are today in your faith journey. Maybe you are one who doesn’t believe you deserve mercy. Maybe you are a person that shuts people out when you have a disagreement over topics. However, what if we are called to show others mercy instead of blocking them out completely. We should be known as a people who have tender hearts that are full of mercy. Then when we do have to take a stand people know it’s serious.
I want to make a side note here and let you know that some relationships need to be severed. You can forgive them and show them mercy but it doesn’t mean you need a deep relationship. This can happen in abusive relationships and narcissistic relationships. In this situation it is best to not have contact with people who have harmed or injured you personally.
My challenge for you today is to examine your heart with how you treat others you disagree with politically or religiously. Do you talk bad about them? Do you demean them? Or do you engage with them respectfully? We can’t convince people of the truth if we can’t have dialogue and mercy with those who are mistaken. We need to be truthful and full of grace in our speech and our actions.
So are you full of mercy or full of wrath?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ezekiel 1-4
