Devotion for Tuesday, March 19, 2024

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Give to others even when they do not deserve what you give.  Do not seek retribution but seek to live under the natural law of reciprocity.  The merciful do not live with an eye-for-eye or tooth-for tooth mentality, as others may do, but they seek the good of all those who are around them.  Give unto others what you desire for yourself and learn how to love as the Lord loves.  Give mercy and you will receive mercy from our good and gracious Savior.

Lord, this is not some kind of economic bargain, but simply what it looks like, to live into the life You give by grace.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life so that I may learn how to be merciful to others recognizing that, like me, they too need all the help they can get to move away from the life of the old Adam and into the new life which You offer by grace.  You have come to lead me into this new life.

Thank Youm Lord Jesus, for the hope You give.  You know how much mercy I need.  You know the places where I have gone astray and where I have needed You to rescue me.  Amidst all of the struggles in my life, living in this world, guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to learn how to be kind and merciful to all whom I meet.  Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy always.  Amen.