Matthew 12:1-21: "I Desire Mercy"

Matthew 12:6-7
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

6 But I tell you, Something greater and more exalted and more majestic than the temple is here! 7 And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless.

If you have been in Christian services, mercy is a word that is prevalent.  As Christians, we understand that being saved means Jesus releases His mercy upon all of our mistakes (sins)...past, present and future.  

In faith, we trust that God in His mercy has forgiven us, and my friends, if we have been sincere in giving our lives to Him, He definitely has forgiven and forgotten those missteps!

But...do we offer that same mercy to each other?

Matthew 10:8

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.

 

Matthew 12:7 amplifies what mercy looks that, to help, to spare, to forgive.  Freely His mercy has been given to us, and freely we should give it to each other.  The preceding verse talks about the mercy which spurs us to perform miraculous feats, and that is wonderful.  

 

But... I want to focus on freely giving mercy to the person who talks behind your back, spreading lies and disunity.  What about those who have misused their power to make your life difficult?  

Jesus doesn't say give mercy to your best buddy, and forget about those who have injured you in some way.  As a matter of fact, I believe mercy is only applicable when a wrong has been committed.  

 

So...The next time someone who has hurt you is struggling be ready to help, to spare and to forgive, because you have freely received mercy.  Now, freely give it!!!

 

Jesus, empower us to give mercy freely.  For Your glory, and in Your name, AMEN!!!