What are we truly saying when we say "May God have mercy on you (your soul)." We tend to hear this most when people are dying. It's like one last dying plea for God to forgive you, a hope that comforts those on this side who have grieved this person while alive. The best part is that we don't have to wait to show this mercy or ask for this to be given by God, He has instilled in us the gift of mercy.
Matthew 20:29-34 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
This act of mercy was not just words of forgiveness as in past scriptures, it was an action of compassion by touching them. I am not a big hugger, don't know why, but there are times when I will give a hug because I can see that the person needs more than just reassuring or tender words. In those moments the other person is surprised because I don't normally do so. I want to believe that they felt compassion in that moment and it rested their soul.
We can do this, Jesus showed us how to use the gift of mercy. He action of being nailed to the cross was God having mercy on our soul. In this gift you can achieve the trifecta of being Christ-like showing grace, having mercy, and forgiving. All of which overlap each other. So instead of waiting until the end of someone's life to give mercy, show it while they are alive.
Yours in Christ
Heather
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