Merciful

The original meaning of merciful in this verse is taken from the Greek word, Oiktirmone, which means compassion or to exercise pity.

Want to know how to confuse the enemy? Show mercy.

When Jesus wanted to confuse the enemy, He was found showing mercy:

Daily, you're coming across so many enemies. You may want to retaliate against them and fight back, but like Jesus, you must forgive!

Guess what?! We were once someone's enemy! We were enemies of God because of disobedience, but instead of retaliation, He showed us mercy -- and the result was salvation!! We must show mercy towards our enemies in order to lead them to the same salvation and change of heart (Acts 4:11-12).
In Matthew chapter 4, we read how Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Before facing the devil, Jesus went through a period of fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. I can imagine during this time He was also praying. He had time alone with the Lord to prepare His mind for a battle. At each temptation, Jesus could have changed his situation in the blink of an eye, but He chose to exercise compassion and educate His enemy on the appropriate way to live.

Jesus was able to use the scriptures as His weaponry. It appeared the trials wouldn't end as the enemy kept tempting Him. Perhaps, it seems like the pressures in your life won't let up. The same enemy who tempted Jesus, wants you to fail, fall down, and forsake the Lord; yet, like Jesus, you can defeat him with the word (Matthew 4:1-11).

You are faced with battles daily, but how willing are you to yield to the Holy Spirit's call to get quiet before the Lord and feed on His love, His strength, and His mercy? Jesus became quiet so that He could hear from God on how to deal with His enemy.




Prayer:

Dear Lord, please mold our hearts to love as you love. Sometimes in our anger, we want to get even; however, we need to see everyone as a soul in need of mercy. We pray that our lives of love and compassion lead our enemy to you, so that they may receive salvation. Our plea is that we follow the example of Jesus, and love, forgive, and show mercy. In His name, we pray, Amen!

Until next time my dears...

Be Soul Peaceful,