SCRIPTURES: Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; For the LORD (JEHOVAH) thy God (ELOHIM) is a MERCIFUL GOD (RAHUM EL); he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
THOUGHT: God is full of kindness, compassion and mercy. He is holy and expects you to be holy also (1 Peter 1:15-16). However, He has no cruelty or pettiness towards you when you have failed. In fact the Scripture says: ‘He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you’ (1 John 1:9). When you sin, or fail and hurt God and others it causes a strain or break in relationships. The Mercy of God means that He takes the initiative to make the grace available for forgiveness, for ‘wiping the slate clean’ and for the renewing of relationship. Your response is to realize your failures and sins, repent, receive the mercy of God and be restored. Then, God expects that you will make restitution as necessary to restore relationships and show the same kindness, compassion and mercy, thereby becoming more and more like Him (See Matthew 18:21-35).
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, JEHOVAH EL RACHUM – LORD AND MERCIFUL GOD: It is only of Your mercy that we are not consumed, because Your compassion does not fail and You are a gracious and merciful God (See Lamentations 3:22 & Nehemiah 9:31).
Thank You for taking the initiative to provide mercy and forgiveness for my sins. Forgive me for my rebellion, sin and failure. Lord, please restore me to right relationship with You, my family and those I have hurt. Help me to learn how to do whatever it takes to make things right. Develop Your character in me so that I will show the kindness, compassion and mercy towards those that have hurt me. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
