Merciful Life
Proverbs 11:24-26 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
These wise words of Solomon could be taken in many contexts, and the commentaries seem to lead to them speaking to wealth and how we handle it. God’s monetary system operates outside of our understanding. We are called to give when we have nothing to give. We are called to have faith in the knowledge that He will provide for our needs. In this giving we see His hand at work when our wells never run dry. I have lived that experience over recent years in both my business and personal life. It is truly amazing to see the monetary blessings that seemingly come out of nowhere as God provides over and over again; just in time, right on time.
In the study notes we are pointed to how this scripture may apply to God’s mercy. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. God will place us in situations in our lives where we must forgive many things; we must not repay with what is due. We are to extend the mercy in a similar, but much smaller form that what He has given us. Mercy has been described as not getting what you deserved. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. (Adrian Rogers). Can you look at those situations in life as God looks at yours? Can you forgive over and over again just as He has done and will continue to do for you? This test of our ability to show mercy is a measure of our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have all heard of the Golden Rule that states, “Do unto others as you wish they would do unto you.” That scripture is Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Can you see how this Golden Rule is woven into those other scriptures? Can you see how that our lives can reflect the God that redeemed us and He is whom we serve? Can you see how a selfish, bitter heart that claims His promises, yet denies those in need is a hypocrisy? How you live your life may be the only Bible that those around you may ever read. A life that extends mercy on those in their time of need, or even those who do not deserve it shows the love you have for Him in your heart. In these selfless acts God is using you to draw others to Himself. Live your life today merciful; for you have life today because of it.
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