Have you ever been surprised by kindness? By mercy? When you are, do you ever wonder why?
We live in a time of fault-finding and criticism. Perhaps we grew up with tired and impatient parents and teachers who lashed out when we made mistakes. Perhaps we have believed what the enemy of our souls has said about us for so long, that we equate every voice of correction with condemnation.
We know the Bible says "God is love", and yet so many of His children still expect Him to be the harsh and vengeful critic.
Consider that the One who commanded us to forgive is VERY GOOD at forgiving also! Selah. (Think about that!)
There is a wonderful insight in James 1:5-6:
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and
without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith..."
Reproach means "criticism,disapproval, shame, disgrace, blame".
It sounds like this: "You idiot! I told you not to do that! You never get anything right! Of course you failed! Get away from me!"
Asking the Lord in faith, even in the middle of our trouble, does not get answered with reproach. When you and I are learning and growing and still making mistakes, we can ask for wisdom in our situation without fear of a harsh retort.
A loving father does not rebuke his child for falling off the bicycle. He encourages him to keep learning. He gets a "do-over".
As imitators of God, let us also sow mercy and kindness. Finding fault is not a spiritual gift, not even towards ourselves. It's so easy to do and there is no good that comes from it. Rather, let's live in FAITH, allowing "do-overs" of ourselves and our brothers and sisters, in light of these facts:
1. God is on your side.
2. The Blood of Jesus was enough to cover all of your mistakes and sins and failures.
3. Through faith in the Cross, we have now received divine favor, so let's live like it.
Thank God for "do-overs".
