Scripture of The Day
March 2, 2021
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
By Ed Henderson
We have become a very hard generation! Our news anchors are quick to act as judge, jury and executioner before the legal process is even started. Political groups will expose any event in an opponent’s life, regardless of how old that event may be or who it hurts (including children). Activists organizations are often quick to stir up people with little or no evidence to back up their claims of injustice, which many times results in more people getting hurt. Where has mercy and compassion gone??
Let’s take a close look at the biblical meaning of mercy. In the Old Testament the Hebrew words used for mercy are “checed” and “racham” which mean to show favor, loving kindness, and compassion. In the New Testament the Greek words used for mercy are “elleo” and “eleos” which mean to show mercy and compassion. As you can see, compassion keeps surfacing when talking about mercy. Let’s look at this a little deeper.What do you think was the key attribute that triggered the miracles of Jesus? Was it faith? Was it power? Was it anointing? No, it was compassion!!!And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14) So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.(Matthew 20:34) And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. (Mark 1:41)
We were at one of our recent functions and Guy and Cate Iannello of Total Freedom were with us at our New Life table. Cate noticed a young lady in the lobby that looked disoriented and she went and asked if she could help her. The bottom line was that this girl was not with our group but needed ministry. After about an hour of ministry I remember telling Cate she was not obligated to minister to this girl since she was not part of Healthy Home. Cate looked at me and said, “but this is what we do”. For you that do not know Guy and Cate, they have two residential programs that minister to men and women with addictions and are a vital part of our team.
You were right Cate! We all (including me) need a reminder that none of us would be where we are today without the mercy and compassion shown to us by Jesus so let’s not get so high and mighty that we forget to show it to others, including strangers. Remember, no compassion, no miracles. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (I Peter 3:8) Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
