Mercy Is Missing

Mercy seems to be lacking in the lives of many people.  Sure--most people set up and take notice when a tragedy strikes (like tornados, train wrecks, and unexpected illnesses or accidents)....but on a day-to-day basis we often overlook other ways to show mercy.

We fail to show mercy when we harbor anything against anyone--like a fellow employee, boss, family member, neighbor, etc..  We may disagree with all of those herein mentioned, from time-to-time--but we dare not harden our hearts against them and disregard them when they are in need of help, understanding, or assistance.

What is MERCY?  It is demonstrating compassion; it is willing to forgive; it helps those in need who either can't or aren't able to reciprocate; it is showing kindness toward those who are suffering; and, most of all, IT IS ACTING LIKE JESUS CHRIST toward needy people!

Failure to "act" when we see a need is described as "THE SIN OF OMISSION," which is so overlooked.  Remember the story of "The Good Samaritan?"  The Priest passed by the injured man, as did the Levite.  Only the Samaritan stopped to show mercy and assist the man.   In another story, found in Luke 16:19-31, tells of a rich man (Lazarus) who basically ignored the poor man's need.  Oh, Lazarus hadn't tried to starve the poor man....he allowed him to eat his garbage.  But he never showed MERCY to the man.  He thought it quite okay to live in luxury while the poor man lived off the crumbs!

I truly believe if the rich in this country would agree to pay higher taxes, our country would not be in so much debt.  It seems the rich get richer while the poor (and middle class) are getting poorer.

I believe in this principle:  "Teach a person how to fish rather than just handing them a fish!"  In other words, education is critical to teaching people how to succeed, find employment, and provide for themselves.  The welfare system has gone astray.....too many have abused and misused the system.  There must be a better way!

Show MERCY to someone today--whether it be offering a hungry man a meal, an unemployed man a job, a shut-in a visit, someone a ride who has no car, or whatever.  Don't walk by--don't pass-up an opportunity to show mercy.  Show that Christ-kind-of-compassion to someone today!