Merciful Minded: Making Room, Removing Corruption

Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire and save them, to others show mercy with fear- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude 22 NIV)

People

Motivating Monday! A big day in Missouri for high school students participating in spring sports, try-outs begin! College students working on all levels, even discussing dissertations. Every day- all day we have tasks to be accomplished. Most of the time- people are involved. Where there are people interacting with people, we need to become merciful minded.

Merciful

Merciful minded is not same as tolerance- approving sin, leading people to hell. Interesting, the world wants tolerance, becoming the most non-tolerant individuals. Mercy is God’s term. Matthew 5:7  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.  My natural self is not merciful. As God’s Word began developing, Christ’s love began making room in my heart, mind, and soul for deeper truths, removing worldly thoughts and behaviors. Through Christ’s love, mercy develops- equipping us to become merciful. This allows forgiveness, room for others to try, even if making mistakes. We are more apt to give time and money. One way to be merciful- the joy of giving…pay for the person’s order behind you…just because. If the person in front of you in the grocery is short money- offer to help. If someone has a fussing child- stop and try to be funny, attempting to change child’s mood. We could write a book on a million ways to be merciful.

Irritants

It takes an irritant to stimulate need for mercy. Whatever irritant is nagging a displeasured feeling, let’s become aware of this need to be merciful instead of responding with irritation. Wrong + Wrong will never equal right. Sitting in Bible study one day- hearing that if I did not give mercy, I could not receive mercy. I decided right then and there, I need mercy. God’s mercies are new every morning. In the last days, those who doubt- show mercy. Save those snatched by the fire. Show mercy with fear; God- fearing with love and respect.

God’s Perspective

Let’s be motivated to make room in our hearts, minds, and souls for God’s perspective. We can be merciful, becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s an honor to become merciful minded. Interacting with others, choosing to be positive and helpful. What a great idea! God is good!