Devotional: Happy Are The Padded

Do you put mercy on when you leave the house? In Matthew 5:7, Jesus teaches us that mercy is like being wrapped in a spiritual padding that protects us against virtually anything thrown our way. It makes us become compassionate towards others while inviting God’s compassion towards us. But we have to choose mercy. Mercy is a choice that becomes easier to make when God dresses us in His mercy. This enables us to run to Him for mercy, receive mercy from His gentle hand, and extend His mercy to everyone around us.

Questions For Meditation

1. Was there a time you wished you were shown mercy? Was there a time you should have shown mercy but didn’t? What triggers you to be angry and judgemental?
2. What does James 3:15-16 say about being critical and only focusing on what’s wrong? Contrast that with James 3:17-18. Which way do you usually take?
3. What does lenient, compassionate, and forgiving mean? How can you put on that 3-layered armor? Has God ever been lenient, compassionate, and forgiving towards you?
4. Choosing mercy means choosing to walk in freedom. How can you choose mercy when you’re burning with anger, injustice, and vengeance?  
5. What does Psalm 130:3 say about how God deals with us? What’s on your record? Are you keeping a record of what others have done to you? What would applying lenience, compassion, and forgiveness to their record look like?
6. Is there a connection between choosing to treat others with mercy and choosing to receive mercy from God? Are you more inclined to show mercy when you feel you need it? How can you choose, and receive, God’s mercy?
7. How would your school, work, family, community, and surroundings change if you lived always choosing to receive and give God’s mercy? Whom are you called to show mercy towards in your life?