The Practice of Mercy
Compassion & Grace
Scripture
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Devotion
Mercy means seeing people's present selves rather than judging them by their past mistakes. It means extending grace generously, without keeping score. The person who made a mistake is not defined by that mistake. The person who struggled is not their struggle. Mercy releases people to become new. Scripture teaches that as God's chosen people, we are to clothe ourselves with mercy and compassion. Holding grudges imprisons us more than the other person. Practice mercy daily. You are practicing for the mercy you will need.
Today’s Step
Who do you need to extend mercy to? Who did you judge for a past failure? Today, see them with fresh eyes. Let them be more than their mistake.
Prayer
God of mercy, teach me to be merciful as You are merciful. Help me to see people with compassion, to forgive quickly, to give people second chances. Help me to clothe myself with gentleness and patience. Let mercy flow through me to others.