Your Ministry of MERCY MATTHEW 5:7 Theme 2014 : Experiencing God, Embracing People!

“Blessed are the merciful, [NIV] for they will be shown mercy.” [NIV] Matthew 5:7

MERCY FORGIVING PEOPLE who don’t deserve it. HELPING PEOPLE who can’t help themselves.

“MERCY” is part of GOD’s character and it has so much more to say and to do in your life than forgiving and helping people.

MERCY is really like a and it is multifaceted.

Why? “ agent of mercy ” Because if you learn how to be an “ agent of mercy ”, its going to change your life and everything relating to you.

Main Points 1. WHY SHOULD I BE “MERCIFUL”?

A. GOD HAS SHOWN ME MERCY

“ 4 But God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, 5 that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved.” [GNT] Ephesians 2:4-5

“ Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” [NLT] Matthew 18:33 If God has shown mercy to us, He expect us to show it to others.

B. GOD COMMANDS ME TO BE MERCIFUL

“No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right (with others), to love mercy (being merciful to others), and to walk (live) humbly (in fellowship) with your God.” [NLT] Micah 6:8

“ I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices. I want you to know God; that’s more important than burn offerings.” [NLT] Hosea 6:6 God says showing mercy is more important than worship!

C. I WILL NEED MERCY IN THE FUTURE

“So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment.” [NCV] James 2:13

D. SHOWING MERCY BRINGS HAPPINESS

“If you want to be happy, be kind to those in need; it is a sin to despise anyone!” [TEV] “A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.” [GW] Proverbs 14:21 Proverbs 11:17

“Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.” [LB] Proverbs 11:17

2. HOW CAN I PRACTICE “MERCY”?

A. BE PATIENT WITH PEOPLE’S QUIRKS Here are 5 ways which we can practice “MERCY”……….

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” [LB] That is people’s peculiar CHARACTER, BEHAVIOUR or ATTITUDE. Ephesians 4:2

“For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others….” [NLT] James 2:13

“The man who makes no allowances for others will find none made for him.” [J.B. Philips] James 2:13

How do I get more “ patience ”?

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.” [NLT] James 3:17

EASILY IRRITATED = NOT WISE

B. HELP ANYONE HURTING AROUND YOU

“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” [TEV] Proverbs 3:27 GOD WATCHES YOUR ATTITUDE!

“……… the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.’ [ESV] “……if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.” [MSG] Romans 12:8b

C. GIVE PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE

“ Don’t get bitter or angry or use harsh words that hurt each other. Don’t yell at one another or curse or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” [CEV] Ephesians 4:31-32 Forgive the fallen, or those who have disappointed, hurt and offended you.

D. DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HURT ME

What is “MERCY”? MERCY is giving people what they need, not what they deserve. Hurt people hurt others!

“ 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and tend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” [NIV] Luke 6:35-36

E. BE KIND TO THOSE WHO OFFEND ME

13 “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 16 …..I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” [NIV] 1 Timothy 1:13, 16

“ 22 Show mercy to those who have doubts. 23 Save others by snatching them from the fire (of hell). Show mercy to others [GW], but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.” [NLT] Jude 1:22-23