Mercy, this is a tough one for me. I think that's why I waited until
Saturday to do Five Minute Friday. I didn't want to face the topic of
mercy.
I am thankful everyday for God's tender mercies. The first definition of mercy that came up when I googled the word was compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
This definitiion is my life in a nutshell.
How many times has God extended this to me when I deserved to be turned into a pillar of salt like Lot's wife. How many times have I ignored his laws and his proddings and done exactly what I wanted to do. Every time he forgives me and prospers me. Every. time.
I know there are people I should show mercy to. People who have broken my heart into more pieces than I can count. I think that I am showing mercy by keeping my disappointment in silence. In a day and age with social media, I could have told everyone that follows them how they have hurt me but I haven't. I have even hesitated to write the whole story on this blog in an effort to show mercy.
This is all well and fine but where I need to show mercy is in my heart. I don't think it counts until I have shown mercy to them in my thoughts towards them.
Another person who needs my mercy is me. There are so many mistakes - both real and perceived - that I still hold against myself. If someone as great as God can forgive those mistakes, why can't I? Why do I hold on to them instead of letting them go?
It's time to show mercy, to be more like God and show mercy to all. Even me.
I am thankful everyday for God's tender mercies. The first definition of mercy that came up when I googled the word was compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
This definitiion is my life in a nutshell.
How many times has God extended this to me when I deserved to be turned into a pillar of salt like Lot's wife. How many times have I ignored his laws and his proddings and done exactly what I wanted to do. Every time he forgives me and prospers me. Every. time.
I know there are people I should show mercy to. People who have broken my heart into more pieces than I can count. I think that I am showing mercy by keeping my disappointment in silence. In a day and age with social media, I could have told everyone that follows them how they have hurt me but I haven't. I have even hesitated to write the whole story on this blog in an effort to show mercy.
This is all well and fine but where I need to show mercy is in my heart. I don't think it counts until I have shown mercy to them in my thoughts towards them.
Another person who needs my mercy is me. There are so many mistakes - both real and perceived - that I still hold against myself. If someone as great as God can forgive those mistakes, why can't I? Why do I hold on to them instead of letting them go?
It's time to show mercy, to be more like God and show mercy to all. Even me.
I am so sorry. I have been there, right with you on this one. I have learned that mercy is not to forget. It is to forgive until we no longer feel anger and pain. Until we can look past it and allow God to decide. I have had many things in my own life to forgive. I can promise that true mercy helps you much more than them. You are destroying only yourself when you can't let it go into God's hands. Thank you for sharing and for reminding me that I also need this in my own life. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patricia!
DeleteHi Andrea, I'm visiting from FMF on Saturday, because I, too, struggled to write. Funny, I even thought of going where you went in my post. I decided to save it for another time; I'll need a lot more words than five minutes gives...and I want to be sure it's full of grace. Showing mercy when we've been wounded is definitely difficult and it's really only possible by a work of God in the heart. This is what I am learning. Anyway, I hope it's okay if I pray for you. It sounds like you're in a good place, dying to self, pursuing God. Not always easy, but good. Blessings.
ReplyDeletePrayers are always welcome - thank you Jacqui!
DeleteMercy for myself is definitely the hardest mercy for me to give. You are very much not alone on that one.
ReplyDeleteSo good to know I'm not alone - thanks Karmen!
DeleteGiving mercy when we've been wounded is impossible without the Holy Spirit's strength. I've been there many times and I thank God for His power to forgive. It is definitely a process. Thanks for these truth-filled words.
ReplyDelete