I will show mercy to those who are merciful to others.

Even in secular surroundings, there is an often quoted verse from Jesus called the ‘golden rule’… Do unto others as you would like others to do unto you. Even the world recognizes that this is a universal principle. Mercy works the same way. 

There is a promise of mercy for those who are merciful to others. It is that simple. How much mercy do I need in my life? Do I need just a little or a lot?   And, of course, my answer is always… “I need as much mercy as I can get!”

The way that I can walk in mercy (for myself) every day is by simply extending mercy to those around me. The person who cuts me off when I am driving, the miserable store clerk, the friend who might have offended me somehow. If I forget that I need mercy, I may forget that I need to extend mercy to others. 

Think of the areas in which you need mercy in your own life. For your shortcomings, for your failures, etc. Do you want mercy to cover every area where you fall short? Then, show mercy to others on every occasion because mercy is receiving something we don’t deserve.

We know that God’s love for us is unconditional, and we can’t do anything to earn or deserve it. However, a principle in God’s kingdom is at work every time we sow something…because what we sow, we will eventually reap. I know I need mercy today, so I pray that I will have the wisdom to sow mercy wherever I go!