HOW TO PROVOKE GOD’S MERCY (4)
Text: Matthew 18:23-35
Memory text:
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:13 NKJV
When you show mercy to others and compassion to the undeserved, you prove that you have received mercy, you are grateful to God for it, and also reflect God’s heart. God blesses that attitude.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt 5:7). God responds in mercy to those who extend to others the same compassion they hope to receive from Him. You can’t be heartless to others and expect to receive His mercy. Mercy attracts mercy. An attitude of mercy provokes God’s mercy towards you.
Our text today illustrates this spiritual law. A king had compassion on his servant, who owed him a huge sum of money when he earnestly begged for more time to pay. Rather than merely shifting forward the date of repayment, the king surprised him by forgiving the debt! What mercy! However, shortly after that, this forgiven servant did the opposite. He went straight to his fellow servant, who owed him a few dollars, grabbed him by his throat, and demanded instant payment. He turned deaf ears to his plea for more time to pay, had him arrested, and imprisoned until he was able to pay.
The king was upset when he heard and said to him, “Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’” (Matt 18:33 NLT). Therefore, he withdrew the mercy He had shown to this servant and cast him in the prison to be tortured until he was able to pay.
“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.” (Jam 2:13 NLT).
You can not expect what you’re unwilling to give. Those who sow mercy will surely reap mercy. “.. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38).
Friends, sow mercy in others, and you will reap mercy. Show mercy to your spouse, housemaids, domestic staff, employees, other people’s children, your sisters or brothers-in-law, the less privileged, the undeserved, your offenders, and to everyone. While you are carrying out your duties as a law enforcement officer, civil or public servant, tax administrator, teacher, health worker, and in any profession, always remember mercy. The hand that opens in mercy to others will never return empty from God. May you reap mercy in Jesus' name.
Prayer points
1. Father, let me never forget that I received mercy and help me to be merciful, compassionate, and kind to others in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, as I show mercy to others and to the undeserved, let me also receive mercy in my time of need, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. Whenever I remember how God showed me mercy, I show mercy on others and the undeserved.
2. I do myself good when I sow mercy in others because the law of sowing and reaping stands.