Making the Decision
Our Part – God’s Part

Scripture: Matthew 18:21

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Peter’s question in today’s scripture leads to Jesus telling a parable concerning an unforgiving person. This parable simply clarifies what our Father in Heaven expects of His children while they are on earth. If you take time to read the entire parable, you will be taken aback by both the clarity and bluntness of the lesson. This spirit of unforgiveness in Jesus’ parable was dealt with harshly…torture was involved! God is very serious about this concept of mercy given, mercy passed on to others!

If you are struggling with a hurt, habit or hang-up today, much of the solution will be found in this principle of mercy. When we are “mercy granters” to the unworthy and unlovable around us, God rewards us with mercy and grace for our own needs! Doesn’t God know your needs – those issues in your life that rob you of joy? Isn’t God able to work in you with a power to overcome those issues? If you answer yes to those two questions, then this last question needs to be answered: When will God do His work in me? The answer is found in our fifth beatitude: “Happy is the person who gives mercy” (why?) “because they will be shown mercy!” If I am unhappy with myself, I must forget about myself and lovingly serve others. As I do, a miracle begins to grow in me. I sense my self-respect returning and victory over my habits and hang-ups!

Don’t forget the promise of Philippians 2:13: It is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purposes! Let’s do our part (showing generous portions of mercy) and God will do His part (setting us free)!

Father, today I will abandon my own self-interest and look to lovingly serve others with your style of mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.