Craig Clouston

 I Want Mercy!

May 25

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7

“I’ll never forgive them!” Jim screamed as he flew out of the pastor’s office. His anger left no room for reasonable thought.

He had begun having nightmares since being mugged three weeks ago and couldn’t seem to get a grip on his emotions. He’d tried sleeping pills, even tried drinking himself to sleep once; neither had the desired effect. Strained to the point of emotional bankruptcy, Jim decided to speak with his pastor and try discussing his problems.

But that had been a joke! The pastor had listened and then told Jim he should try to forgive these men. He had told Jim that forgiving them would set him free from the memories of that night. He hadn’t said one word about them asking Jim for forgiveness. Jim was indignant. How dare he tell me I need to forgive them!

His wife continued to pray, but Jim just became increasingly bitter. Eventually it consumed his life; he became morose and died from heart complications several years later.

†

Forgiving those who have hurt us is not about giving up revenge and getting even; it is about setting ourselves free from the burden of resentment and bitterness. It is about mercy and unmerited favor; it is about grace.

What others do is between them and God.

When Christ hung on Calvary’s cross, it was an act of mercy and unmerited favor for us. He didn’t have to go. He chose to out of a love so deep that he would rather be humiliated, tortured, and die a pain-filled death rather than live without us in eternity!

We can choose to hang on to the burden of acts committed against us. But at what cost do we give up our rights and give it to Jesus? If we want mercy but struggle to give it ourselves, God can’t provide it. That is a spiritual law. Remember, we reap what we sow. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord Almighty.” He meant it, so leave it up to Him.

Prayer

“Merciful Father, forgive me for my pride and arrogance. Touch my heart with a desire to forgive. Show me how to forgive others who have hurt me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”