Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
–Matthew 5:7
Yesterday we talked about bitterness and how it can have such a devastating impact on your life.
While bitterness can be because of some big event, major abuse, or significant mistreatment in your life, too often, it comes from some small hurt that is nourished and nurtured until it grows to be a powerful force and factor in your life.
As a pastor, I can tell you – I’ve seen the effects of bitterness again and again and again. And the natural question is, why on earth do people do this to themselves?
Well, some people do it because it just feels good. They’re sort of addicted to their anger. Others do it because they have a sense of self-righteous superiority or pride.
Whatever the reason, it’s resulted in a lot of angry Christians who are long on mad and short on mercy! And those lives don’t reflect our Savior’s love, mercy, and grace which is infinite.
That’s why I encourage you to model Christ today by showing mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve it. Cut someone some slack! Assume that their intentions are good! I think you’ll be amazed how your life will change when you do this on a consistent basis.
MAKE IT YOUR GOAL TO BE A PERSON WHO IS SHORT ON MAD AND LONG ON MERCY!
