Did you know that sometimes it is really hard work to be merciful?
Sometimes it doesn’t fall like ripe cherries off a tree to be the peacemaker, to ‘believe the best’ yet again! And have you ever noticed how self-pity can creep in right at the time of you wanting to extend mercy or make peace; thoughts like,
- why do I always have to be the one
- why can’t anybody else ever be merciful
- why do I always have to be the one to forgive
They come at you with such self-righteous force!!
I have noticed that whenever dealing with my older children, the one that ‘suffered’ the offence is generally the one I am harder on. The offender is usually oblivious to the destruction left in their path, and it’s the one offended that I have to admonish! (but don’t you worry, we also deal with the offender…timing is everything!)
Many times then, my children will ask me, “Why am I the one in trouble? I didn’t do anything, they’re the one who did_________!!??”
To which I reply with “you’re not in trouble, but you will be if you don’t deal with this offence. Your heart will condemn you and you won’t be blessed – because blessed are the merciful, blessed are the peacemakers…” which of course is always appreciated lol!
John and I have always been more concerned about the heart than anything else, because out of your heart (the abundance of the heart) your mouth will speak and out of your heart flow all the issues of your life!
We know that it is not enough to cut down a dandelion plant in order to remove it, the root has to be removed! Likewise we have to be more focused on the heart than the actions.
Ephesians 4:32 sums it up nicely:
We love you and are praying for you! Believing God with you, and loving you!
Julia Trotter
Jesus is Lord!