Leadership: Mercy
Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13 (ESV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (ESV)
Mercy is unanticipated love. Mercy is unwarranted forgiveness. Mercy is unconventional kindness. Mercy is disparaged by dictators, but demanded and delivered by God.
Mercy, freely given, changes the lives of givers, receivers, and witnesses!
Because mercy is an invitation our merciful Father seldom refuses, the Lord Himself attends with gifts in Hand!
'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy' (Matthew 5:7).
For Christians in leadership positions, mercy is God’s commanded bottom line! What does this mean for preachers and teachers?
However charismatic, prophetic, scholarly, faithful, or sacrificing a faith leader may appear to his flock... his words and works MEAN NOTHING WITHOUT LOVE!*
Mercy is the visible proof of love! It’s a signal flag that astonishes everyone who sees it– and points to God!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Most likely, you’ve witnessed fellow Christians criticize, condemn, and cut people down. Mean words pass from “saint” to “saint” through GOSSIP: vicious whispers the God of love destests.
Where’s the mercy for those who don’t know Christ? (Why would people want to become Christians, if our Lord’s Heart is misrepresented?)
Where’s the mercy for Christians who mess up? ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 3:23-24).
In every off-screen word, look, or response, let shows of mercy shame “Christian” critics! Mercy will draw curious eyes to you. Therein, you represent your Savior well.
Leadership: Mercy (Part 20)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!