Showing Mercy
Jude 1:22-23 (NLT) And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
Show mercy to people while hating their sin - this can become quite the challenge, right? Loving others while we hate the sin they are in - we cannot convince them that Jesus is their answer in life if we are hateful in the process. God's kindness leads people to repentance - not a holier than thou believer. I know it can become frustrating when someone is so blinded by the lies of the enemy that you just want to scream and shout, "Come to Jesus! Please! He is the only way!"
We see an issue in someone's life and we have the quick solution for them but they will not receive what we have to say. Many times they are waiting to see the results of your salvation work out before they even consider asking you about your experience as a Christian. Continuing to do good and show God's love to the lost and broken is the all-access pass to an open door for a conversation about Christ. This is especially true with those you are around often, a co-worker, a family member, a vendor. Show mercy but remain cautious - the enemy will always try to pull you in the wrong direction. Stay grounded and rooted in the Word - know the Truth because it is your sword against the enemy. Be sure to wear your armor daily and pray your way through each day knowing that God has an assignment for you, if you choose to accept it, is up to you. Worship and praise will keep your heart at peace as you press in and work hard for the Kingdom of God.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
Hebrews 4:12 (TPT) For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.
Micah 6:8 (AMPC) He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
