Show Mercy and Compassion

"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."- Luke 6:36 
  
Jesus calls you to a higher standard of living”one that reflects God's own mercy. In Luke 6:36, He reminds you that just as God is merciful, you too are called to extend mercy to those around you, especially those who are hurting and in need. This kind of mercy goes beyond just feeling sorry for someone; it's about showing genuine compassion and withholding judgment, even when you might feel justified in passing it.

During His time on earth, Jesus saw how the religious leaders of His day were quick to judge those whose lives were messy and imperfect. They looked down on the poor, the downtrodden, and the outcast, believing that their circumstances were a direct result of their failures. To them, these people were not just in bad situations”they were bad people, unworthy of love and compassion. This attitude grieved Jesus deeply.
 
The mercy Jesus speaks of in the New Testament is rooted in the Old Testament command to show pity and compassion to those in need. It's about recognizing that everyone has a story, and often, the pain and brokenness you see on the surface are the result of deeper wounds and traumas that you may never fully understand. When you judge others, you fail to see them as God sees theme”loved, valuable, and worthy of grace.

Jesus warned against this kind of judgmental attitude in Matthew 7:1-3, where He said, "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged... Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?" The truth is that none of us are perfect. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. When you extend mercy to someone who is hurting, you are not condoning their mistakes; you are showing them the love of Christ.
 
Mercy is about giving people what they don't deserve”grace instead of condemnation, kindness instead of criticism. People already know their mistakes and shortcomings. What they need is to be reminded that despite their past, they have a future. James 2:13 tells us that "mercy triumphs over judgment." When you choose mercy, you reflect the heart of God, who delights in showing compassion to His children.

Remember, your actions and attitudes can either draw people closer to God or push them further away. In a world that is often harsh and unforgiving, be an example of God's mercy. Show compassion to those who are hurting, hold space for their pain, and let them know that God's love is greater than any mistake they've made. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.