Friday; June 8

If we were to pray to God about what we wanted from Him, would our prayer be for justice or for mercy?  Would we plead with God to give us what we deserved or would we appeal to Him for forgiveness?  I would imagine that most of us would pray a prayer similar to what David uttered, “Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, for they have been from of old.  Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” (Psalm 25:6-7)  In all honesty, not only do I believe that mercy and forgiveness is what we want from God, I also think that is what He wants to provide to us.  He doesn’t like to be at odds with us, so He is quick to forgive.  There is; however, a condition placed on our forgiveness – we must be merciful to those around us.  The Bible is filled with pleas for mercy, but it also reminds us that we have an obligation to forgive others.
You know, when we really ponder it, if we share a spirit with our Father, we should have a forgiving nature.  In essence, people shouldn’t have to beg us for mercy, if we are godly, we will be looking for ways to bestow it.  Since we have faith that God is merciful, we should be generous in displaying it.
Are we willing to forgive?  We’d better be because this is one example of getting what we give.
Think About It!

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