Mercy. What did Jesus mean when He said “mercy” here? If we look throughout the Bible, we see the original words include the Hebrew “hesed,” the Greek “eleos” as well as “oiktirmos/oiktiro” translated to mercy and merciful. These words describe God’s covenant lovingkindness to His people and our compassion, pity, showing mercy, and sympathy to others.

If we’re to be merciful, we have to first know others. We have to take the time to take our eyes off ourselves and our situations to know others. We have to see that others are hurting or frightened or lost. This requires an intentional act. It doesn’t just happen. When our minds are focused on the Savior, we see these things because He is showing them to us.

If we’re to be merciful, we have to care about what others are feeling. We must allow ourselves to walk that proverbial mile in their shoes and have sympathy toward them.

If we’re willing to act dangerously, this being merciful thing is easy peasy. Are you ready?

Pray this: Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours.

There you go. Our God grieves when our hearts are broken. He knows when we are hurting or scared. If we see things as He does, we’ll see those things and grieve, too. When we are shadow-close to Him, we’ll know how to help those who need mercy. Will it be a phone call? A ride to get out of the house? A shopping trip? A lunch? A card or letter? I don’t know. It could be something else or it could be all of those. Listen to Him and do what He prompts.

Ready? Let’s do it.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.