Mercy is love in action!
“4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, 5 does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Four Ways For You To Show Mercy At Home:
- Overlook irritations and offenses.
“Love … does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)
“Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)
“A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
“Be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15) [MSG]
- Be kind to others even when they don’t deserve it, but need it!
“4 Love is patient, love is kind … 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4a & 7)
“Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help.” (Proverbs 3:27) [NCV]
“See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15) [CSB]
- Let go of past hurts and resentments.
“Love… does not keep a record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5b)
“Love is not rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) [LB]
- Believe that God is working in their life and yours!
“Love… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
“20I continually remember them and have become depressed. 21 Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. 23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:20-23)
*All references from the HCSB unless otherwise noted.