Kingdom Revelator Australia – Issue 106
As I walked to the town centre, a man approached me asking for money. As I wanted to help him, I told him I would buy him something. He immediately walked into the Subway on the right and ordered the most expensive item on the list, a hot drink and a dessert without asking me. Instead of the usual surge of happiness that I would feel when I do a charitable deed, I felt a surge of anger within me, as I felt that I had been manipulated and taken advantage off. I felt anger towards him. He didn’t even bother to say thank you when I paid for his order, and just walked away. I walked out feeling robbed but then I remembered the Lord’s words. “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew9:13).
I immediately apologized to the Lord for my thoughts and forgave the guy. “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:10-11). When we feel disappointed after doing good, let’s remind ourselves that disappointments are opportunities to learn to trust in God. Often in life we too after receiving God’s kindness, walk away as if we don’t owe God anything.
During the lent season this Bible verse sounds more meaningful than ever. The little sacrifices we make reminds us of the need for spiritual cleansing; for God to work in our lives. “For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). Every kind look, word or deed should be done in love towards our neighbour. God treats each one of us with a merciful love, forgiving all our sins and failures. Jesus’ passion is a reminder to us that although we don’t deserve to be forgiven, yet in His mercy He redeemed us.