What Is Required for Being Willing to Show Mercy?

Each person will at some point be called upon to act courageously in defense of personal values or for protection of family and friends. Courage is also associated with defending what is socially right and just.

Remember this story? Robbers beat a man almost to death and left him by the roadside. Two religious leaders passed by, looked at the man, and walked on. Finally, a Good Samaritan stopped and compassionately attended to the man’s wounds, saved his life and provided continuing care.

Did that act of mercy take courage? This man prioritized his ethics and humanity and acted with compassion. What evidently inspired him to care for this dying man was his need for a clear conscience and being free of shame and guilt. You can be committed to the Apostle Paul’s directive from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous and strong. Show God’s love in everything you do.”

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

~Colossians 3:12  New International Version

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Inclusion Versus Separation

The English poet John Donne was best known for writing, "No man is an island entire of itself; everyman is a piece of the continent, … any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." Donne’s words are not acceptable to those who advocate, "Do not lean on anyone and let no one lean on you."

Jesus reminded us in Luke's 6:32 to "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." Realizing your life counts for something special is accomplished by extending yourself to others in a way that is helpful and appreciated.

Mohandas Gandhi reminds us, "No sacrifice is worth the name unless it is a joy. Sacrifice and a long face are incompatible." Jesus defines the meaning of sacrifice: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." Jesus counts you as his friend.  

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With Jesus’ help we will continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by telling others of the glory of his name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to him.  

~Hebrews 13:15-16 The Living Bible

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Sacrifice: A Bridge over Obstacles

When Jacob arrived at his uncle's home, he immediately began a relationship with his cousin Rachel that would change his life. Genesis 29:18 confirms he agreed to work seven years for Rachel. The culture of the day permitted fathers to choose husbands for their daughters. Laban told Jacob he would rather give her to him than someone else.

Rachel was possibly a teenager at the time of this agreement. Jacob was in his early forties. Yet he was so smitten with Rachel, seven years would pass quickly. He could see her every day, so anticipation for a joyful marriage had time to blossom and grow.  

Rachel’s father would prove be an obstacle for Jacob’s happiness. Instead of permitting this obstacle to dominate his chances for happiness, he agreed to the underhanded dealings of his uncle. Rachel’s love was worth any sacrifice. Isn't that how Jesus felt when he sacrificed himself for us? Have you accepted God’s sacrificial love for you? Think about it.  

God Is There! Are You Listening? - Part 1

How would you evaluate the ethics of our culture when it comes to going beyond what is required, doing what is commendable? Several years ago, a plane crashed into the Potomac River just outside Washington DC. A young man risked his life to save passengers by swimming out to the plane in freezing water to bring helpless victims to shore.

Luke’s Gospel records the account of the Good Samaritan who helped a wounded man who had been left for dead beside the road. He went beyond the call of duty to insure the injured man was given proper care. This parable also relates how two religious leaders of the same nationality as the wounded man used excuses to pass by and refused to give help.

The strong voice of conscience directs us to do what is morally right and good. Each person can choose to perform spontaneous acts of kindness with no thought of reward. If an opportunity arises to follow the voice of your conscience, are you ready and willing to hear and respond? What would Jesus do?