Be Merciful
by Pastor Dag Heward-MIlls
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
A leader is someone who knows the importance of showing mercy. Certain political leaders came on the scene spitting fire and brimstone. They passed judgements on others for minor crimes and sentenced them to death. Years later, they discovered that members of their own government were doing worse things. If they were to apply the same measuring rod to these individuals, they would probably have to execute their entire government. Blessed is the merciful for he shall obtain mercy. A wise leader knows that he may need mercy himself one day. That is why a true leader is merciful to his followers.
Are You Spiritual?
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
This Scripture says that people who are spiritual must be careful to be merciful. Have you caught a thief today? Please show mercy! I know that you find it difficult to appreciate the circumstances under which you could be accused of being a thief one day.
I am not predicting that every man of God will fall. All I am saying is that it is wise to be merciful rather than judgemental. Mercy triumphs over judgement. Surely you will need the mercy of God in your life. God looks at how much mercy you show to others.
The blessing of merciful people is that they will also receive mercy. A leader is a humble person who also knows that he is capable of falling one day.
Years ago, I met a pastor who was so judgemental about Kenneth Hagin. He spoke at length and described the faults of Kenneth Hagin to me. He then gave me a book full of criticisms about Kenneth Hagin. As this pastor spoke, I marvelled at the critical spirit he possessed. Some years later, this critical pastor divorced his wife and lost his ministry. The next I heard of him, he was in prison. There is no need to be judgemental. Are you a leader? Be merciful; you may need it one day.
Five Times Jesus showed Mercy
1. Jesus showed mercy to the crowd for crucifying Him on the cross.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23:34
2. Jesus showed mercy to the woman who was caught in adultery.
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:11
3. Jesus showed mercy to blind Bartimaeus and healed him.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, HAVE MERCY ON ME.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Mark 10:47-48
4. Jesus showed mercy to the mad man of Gadara.
And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and HOW HE HAD MERCY ON YOU.”
Mark 5:19 (NASB)
5. Jesus showed mercy by teaching forgiveness to fellow servants
SHOULD YOU NOT ALSO HAVE HAD MERCY on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy on you?
Matthew 18:33 (NASB)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
A leader is someone who knows the importance of showing mercy. Certain political leaders came on the scene spitting fire and brimstone. They passed judgements on others for minor crimes and sentenced them to death. Years later, they discovered that members of their own government were doing worse things. If they were to apply the same measuring rod to these individuals, they would probably have to execute their entire government. Blessed is the merciful for he shall obtain mercy. A wise leader knows that he may need mercy himself one day. That is why a true leader is merciful to his followers.
Are You Spiritual?
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
This Scripture says that people who are spiritual must be careful to be merciful. Have you caught a thief today? Please show mercy! I know that you find it difficult to appreciate the circumstances under which you could be accused of being a thief one day.
I am not predicting that every man of God will fall. All I am saying is that it is wise to be merciful rather than judgemental. Mercy triumphs over judgement. Surely you will need the mercy of God in your life. God looks at how much mercy you show to others.
The blessing of merciful people is that they will also receive mercy. A leader is a humble person who also knows that he is capable of falling one day.
Years ago, I met a pastor who was so judgemental about Kenneth Hagin. He spoke at length and described the faults of Kenneth Hagin to me. He then gave me a book full of criticisms about Kenneth Hagin. As this pastor spoke, I marvelled at the critical spirit he possessed. Some years later, this critical pastor divorced his wife and lost his ministry. The next I heard of him, he was in prison. There is no need to be judgemental. Are you a leader? Be merciful; you may need it one day.
Five Times Jesus showed Mercy
1. Jesus showed mercy to the crowd for crucifying Him on the cross.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23:34
2. Jesus showed mercy to the woman who was caught in adultery.
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:11
3. Jesus showed mercy to blind Bartimaeus and healed him.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, HAVE MERCY ON ME.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Mark 10:47-48
4. Jesus showed mercy to the mad man of Gadara.
And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and HOW HE HAD MERCY ON YOU.”
Mark 5:19 (NASB)
5. Jesus showed mercy by teaching forgiveness to fellow servants
SHOULD YOU NOT ALSO HAVE HAD MERCY on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy on you?
Matthew 18:33 (NASB)
