Mercy Me!

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

Some time ago when exiting the Costaatt compound in San Fernando, I accidentally drove my car into an old model white vehicle parked right next to mine. The owner was not in the car at the time but I left a note on the windscreen with my contact information. I prayed that the cost to repair would be what I could afford.

One week later the owner called me and said that there was no charge for the damage. I leapt in thanks to God for such mercy and favour. She forgave me my debt.

One month later, I went into Princes Town to shop. I parked my car in a safe enough space and was gone for several hours. When I returned to my vehicle I immediately noticed a scratch on my bumper. 

I was livid. I railed with the attendant who was on site, shouting to her that I was going to the police station to make a report. The person would have to pay to fix the damage, I insisted; he was not getting away with this.

The attendant calmly assured me that the person who scratched my car was well known to her and she gave me his phone number.

When I called the perpetrator he sounded so frightened, and I, in a most cold and condescending tone, told him I was awaiting a call from someone to give me the cost for repairing the damage and I would let him know how much he had to pay. 

While waiting for the straightener to call me , God brought to my mind the incident of one month before. I remembered that I had been forgiven for my "transgression". Someone acted mercifully towards me, therefore, what should my response be to this gentleman. 

Talk about a turnaround. I humbly called the man back and told him he would not have to pay since I did find out that it was something a good compound could erase. I forgave him any debt owed to me. He was overjoyed and so very relieved. It is easy to ask for mercy when we are in dire straits, but when the shoe is on the other foot, it's another story.

So, how will you be merciful today, this week, this month, this year?

Be patient with people’s quirks. Who is that person in your life who has irritating quirks? How can you practice patience with that person this week?

Help anyone around you who is hurting. Who around you is obviously hurting that you can help this week? If you can’t think of anybody, then you’re not paying attention. Look closer!

Give people a second chance. Who do you need to give a second chance to? How can you show that person mercy and compassion this week?

Do good to those who hurt you. Maybe you’re suffering from an old wound that you have not been able to let go of. You need to forgive and then turn it around for good. Who is that person in your life? Will you make a phone call or a visit this week?

Be kind to those who offend you. Who offends you? Maybe it’s a politician or a comedian that you can pray for. Maybe it’s a Facebook friend who has different views and says some pretty offensive things. How can you be intentional about showing kindness to that person this week?

Build bridges of love to the unpopular. Who is the first person who comes to mind when you think of an outcast? Who spends their lunch breaks eating alone or doesn’t seem to have any friends at soccer games? What specific thing will you do this week to bridge the gap between you and that person with love?

Value relationships over rules. Who is an unbeliever you could invite over for dinner in the next few weeks? Will you then step up and invite that person to church? This is your ministry of mercy.