“Pastor, life is so hard on me, people hardly show me mercy. Why is it like that?”
One of the greatest mysteries you’d come to learn is that mercy is a seed. If you don’t sow it, chances are that you won’t receive it, not even from God.
In Matthew 5:7, the bible says, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”. So as long as you’re merciful to people, then don’t expect to suffer injustice or difficulties before God or man. This is a law that governs the kingdom of God. Let me show you a story from scripture:
Matthew 18:
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Notice verse 23, it unveils to us that this is a system that works in the kingdom. And the summary is that a person who receives a seed of mercy and forgiveness is expect to do same to others. If you receive mercy from God or someone and refuse to give it to someone else, then you’d be judged.
In Micah chapter 7, the bible tells us how that God will pardon the iniquity and transgression of his people because He delights in mercy. He will have compassion upon them, He will subdue their iniquity and cast their sins unto the depths of the sea, just because they had mercy on a people. Mercy is powerful, you can even use it to receive a pardon from God.
When God showed King Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son, the handwriting on the wall, Daniel’s interpretation concluded with a counsel to the king to show mercy to the poor. The king was full of pride, and that’s why he had such a threatening visitation. But despite the judgment that had been set, Daniel believed that mercy could defer his punishment.
This tells me that whenever you find yourself in a situation where you have to be merciful to someone else, it might be a deliberate act of God. He’s probably giving you the opportunity to purchase mercy for yourself. Asides mercy being a seed, it is also a currency, it can buy things.
I was told a story of a wealthy man who was diagnosed with a terminal disease and had a short time to live. When he received the news, he pathed with 50 percent of his wealth to the poor as he prepared his bed. To his amazement, he lived till a good old age. Mercy is powerful!
Please note that mercy is not the same as forgiveness. Forgiveness is determined by accepting wrong. When someone accepts his wrong, he is forgiven. Mercy is higher than forgiveness. You can show mercy to someone who has not even admitted his wrong. When you free someone of a debt he cannot pay, it’s not forgiveness you gave, it’s mercy.
You’re going to have breakfast and you know your colleague may not be able to afford breakfast, invite him to join you, even if you both have to share yours. Just because you both received your salaries at the same time doesn’t mean your salaries serve the same purpose. Let’s be quick to show mercy. Remember that the more mercy you show, the more mercy and favour you attract. Life is hard for many people only because they’re too hard on people. Be merciful! Be merciful! Be merciful!
I hope this has brought enlightenment to someone.
Remain ever blessed, in Jesus precious name!
#EmekaAnslem