Being Merciful

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”

(Psalm 86:5, ESV)

In Numbers 16.22, while God seeks to punish the people for their rebellion, Moses and Aaron prayer for mercy. They may have deserved what God was readying to give them, but only mercy would enable God’s people to continue growing into who they were meant to be. It seems backwards that Moses called on God to be merciful, but mercy was necessary.

Many acts of service require mercy … giving to those who may not deserve it. Many people are difficult and harsh throughout their lives but then need help in the latter stages of life; who will help them if not someone merciful? I think of nurses who are often given a hard time, having to face complaints and negativity, and yet they continue to mercifully serve their patients.

Do we serve others only when they deserve it? Who is it God is leading us to reach out to? I find often I am too busy to even notice the need … or too busy to stop and help. Often it is hard to stop and help certain people because I find them hard to appreciate. “Father, forgive me.”

Who are we being given opportunity to show mercy to? Right from within our everyday lives there are those we can be merciful towards - family members, neighbours, our elderly, business owners. Who is God giving you opportunity to serve?