"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

During His earthly ministry, Jesus often used stories to teach His disciples about His kingdom. One such story is recorded in Matthew 18:21-35.

A king was going over his accounts and noticed that one of his servants owed him a considerable sum of money. He summoned him and said that he needed payment immediately. The servant did not have the money to repay him, so the king ordered that he and his family were to be sold into bondage. Falling to his knees, the servant asked for time to repay his debt. The king was moved with compassion towards him, and in mercy forgave the debt entirely.

Rejoicing, the servant left the king's presence. But he met a friend who owed him a small amount of money and demanded payment. Instead of listening to his plea for time, he had him cast into prison. When news of this reached the king, he was incredibly angry and withdrew his earlier forgiveness. The original debt must be paid in full.

We owed a debt we could never pay. But Jesus went to Calvary, paid the price for all our sins, and extended His mercy freely to all who would accept Him.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

In Romans 12:5-8, Paul reminds us that we are all members of one body. He lists the gifts of grace that have been committed to us, and how we should exercise them. He speaks of prophecy, ministry, exhorting, teaching, and other gifts. Then he ends with these words: "he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

When we consider how many times the Lord has shown mercy on us, how thankful we should be. We have all made mistakes and failures, but when we go to Him in prayer, He has mercy on us and forgives. So, we extend mercy to others.

Thought For Today: We imitate Jesus by showing mercy with cheerfulness.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston