My friend Dee is visiting for a few, too-short hours, thanks to an extended layover. Conversation flowed as I drove south from Denver International Airport (DIA) back home … and so it will continue except for the hours we sleep.
One of Dee’s statements reverberates in my heart even now, a couple of hours later:
God is so merciful.
The word “merciful” resounded in my heart like a cymbal — but not a discordant clanging. More of a perfectly timed execution of music that echoed … merciful, merciful, merciful.
I’ve heard the different definitions of God’s grace and mercy. How he gives us what we don’t deserve and doesn’t give us what we do deserve. That’s a fun sentence to unwrap, isn’t it? But tonight I’m embracing the truth of God’s mercy this way:
God is gentle with me.
He doesn’t stomp into my life. He doesn’t scream or lash out or throw me around. He doesn’t berate me or ridicule me. He doesn’t pack my bags, open the door, and toss me out on the curb, telling me he’s done putting up with me.
God is mercifully gentle with me.
And tonight that beautiful truth is comforting as if I’ve heard it for the first time.
“For the LORD Your God is a merciful God … ” (Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV)
In Your Words: When have you experienced the gentleness of God? How do you reflect his image to the world and walk the gentle path?
Embracing the Truth of God’s Gentle Mercy Click to Tweet
How Do You Take the Gentle Path? Click to Tweet
Comments 17
“He doesn’t stomp into my life. He doesn’t scream or lash out or throw me around. He doesn’t berate me or ridicule me. He doesn’t pack my bags, open the door, and toss me out on the curb, telling me he’s done putting up with me.”
Praise God for this! I mess up every day. And every day, God gives me more and better than I deserve. I’ve learned not to take that for granted. I think mercy is a lot like the verse in John. “She loves much because she’s been forgiven much.” (paraphrased) Mercy is the same. And I also think extending mercy is a conscious thing. By nature, I don’t tend to be merciful, even though God has been merciful to me. I have to pray that God will work in me to BE merciful to others.
Beautiful post. Thanks for reminding me to be merciful to others today!
Author
Thanks for sharing the paraphrase from John, Jess. I like that. A lot.
I think it’s only in being merciful that we are open enough to receive it.
For this, I speak from an experience I would rather forget. Lack of mercy has consequences, and you don’t want them.
(It is interesting that almost every Sura in the Qu’ran opens with “Bismallah ar-Rachman ar-Rachim” – “O God, the Compassionate and Mercipful.”)
Author
Andrew:
Once again, you give me pause to think.
I love this, Beth. The most recent memory I have of God being gentle in my life was just last week…New Years Day…I purposely spent quite a bit of time alone that day, with God and my Bible and a good book. Gentle whispers that morning…which I so needed and which I loved and which I’m working hard to remember as I dive into 2014 and all it holds.
Author
My word for 2014 is THINK, Melissa. I find myself returning to quiet moments with God more and more frequently as I realize His words anchor my thoughts. The gentle whispers of his truth are so vital to how I walk out a given day … a given hour.
I love that quote. And you’re so right, God is gentle with me. I think I needed that reminder this morning as I’m dealing with kids who have been locked in doors too many days with all this winter blast we’re getting. If God is gentle with me, that’s a great example of how I need to be with them…even when they aren’t being too “gentle”. 🙂
Author
I hope your day has been filled with moments of gentleness, Susan.
So many times I have asked, “Jesus, give me Your eyes.” One of the ways He has answered has been from a phrase in Romans 12:1. “…in view of God’s mercy…” In view of God’s mercy to me, how shall I see and respond to those around me…to their sin and shortcomings? How long will I suffer, practicing patience, while He completes His work in another? Will I choose to see them as they will be once they are re-shaped by His gentle mercy?
His mercy has wooed me back into life, forgiveness and freedom so many times. Why would I want to keep this only for myself? Jesus, give me Your eyes.
Author
How intriguing, Bernadette, as Romans 12:1-2, is my foundational verse for my word for 2014. Thank you for giving me a new way to apply it!
What a beautiful article, Beth. So moving.
When all I feel like doing is curling up in bed and crying my heart out, God wraps me up in a hug and comforts me. Maybe this is more like comfort than mercy, but the two go hand in hand, as do so many things God does in my life. It’s those moments when I feel like I’m failing in everything I try to accomplish when He says, “You’re really not doing so bad. Just lean on Me and I’ll bridge the gap between where you are and where I need you to be.” Those are the times I feel His mercy the most. Instead of agreeing (and condemning me) for my shortcomings, He shows His compassion and mercy and lifts my chin once again. He gives me the little boost I need to face the next thing that comes up. To me, that’s the best feeling in the world, when God encourages me to keep trudging on and moving forward with Him leading the way.
Author
I so appreciate your sharing so honestly, Andrea. Your words touched my heart.
Thanks, Beth. The power behind my honesty is God. He saved me from being a liar when I was seven, when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. My lies had trapped me, and God released me from those chains. So thankful for His mercy and sacrifice to save me.
“God is gentle with me.” YES. I’ve come to realize that God is gentle with me most when I hurt. He’s also gentle when He whispers His guidance. I’m smiling as I type, because He gets louder and louder when I don’t hear His gentle whisper the first time. 🙂
Author
🙂
Wonderful insights, Donna — as always.
Before today ends, I have to say how thankful I am for those hours, the words and prayers shared, and impact felt. Yes, I believe it even more–God is SO merciful… Thanks, Beth & family
The things I’ve done in my life…it’s only by God’s mercy that I am even still here. And so thankful for His mercy that changed me. Awesome post, Beth.