Mercy!

Mercy!

Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 GNB

In putting today's extract into context, Jesus is saying that if all you do is the normal, the usual and the expected, don't expect the unusual or the miraculous. The world has a paterrn of relationship and behaviour, and the world rewards all those who live by its patten. However, for all who swear true and faithful allegiance to God, you are called to a different lifestyle, pattern of living and pursuits. So, which do you live by: the Word or the World? 

The world does good to its kind because it knows it will get it back. The world loves those who belong to it and follow its standards because it knows it will be loved in return. The world borrows its kind from its own resources, expecting a full payment in return. That is the way of the world, so there is really little anyone can do to change that. But there is this very minor but fundamental difference: in the same world are people who answer to different standards and follow principles that are fundamentally different from the world. They love the way their Master Jesus loved and commanded them to; they give to other people the way Jesus their Master taught them to and even showed a perfect example of how that love should be. He gives rain to both the good and the wicked.

'Love your enemies; do good to them; lend and expect nothing back; these are just a few of the things that those who bear the name of the Lord Jesus are expected to live by in the world. They are not of the world, but they seek to impact the world with the life of God. How would people seek out the God I serve if I am not different? How do people seek the light of God in me if I am part of the darkness around?

And let it be clear again: today's extract was not really for the crowd. It was for the men who were chosen as disciples. Do I have God as my heavenly father, or is he one of those many options that I have? Being merciful is God's character, and all who claim to follow Him must walk in that same light. He laid down His life as a marker for how things should be, so for all who follow Him it can't be the usual and the expected. 

How do you define mercy: it is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. Pause and reflect on the standard set out here: if God could forgive us our greatest sins, even when we deserved punishment, the best we can do is to extend that same grace to other people. Hurt will definitely come; human interactions aren't perfect but when both parties submit to God and allow His mercy flow through their thoughts, actions and decisions, the difference and impact will be clear. I ask again: which do you live by: the Word or the World. Eternity lies at the end of your response. His time of favour is here.