Have you ever been in a situation when you knew you had done something so wrong, that you also knew that you needed immediate forgiveness and mercy? Are you there now? If so, let’s talk about it.

First of all, before we move further, can I ask why do you need mercy? What did you say or do that caused or is causing you to need it? Really think about that why? Are you afraid of the consequences or judgment? Are you hurt or remorseful for your actions? Because these are all real questions…that are ultimately between you and God. I encourage you to talk to Him about it.

Personally, I can recall times when I have done something wrong or said something that I shouldn’t have said, and I immediately shouted, “Oh Lord, please forgive me. I know I shouldn’t have done that, I need Your mercy.”

Asking for mercy is all about having a heart of sorrow and repentance. It’s saying, “Lord, I am truly sorry for what I’ve done and said.” It’s also asking someone else that you’ve hurt or trespassed against to forgive you or pardon you.

The term mercy itself means “forbearance, grace, forgiveness, compassion, pity, charity.” So…do you need this right now? Do you know someone who needs this kind of mercy at this time? Hebrews 4:17 tells us, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Amen!

We all need mercy.

Requesting it is also about having a healthy fear and respect for God and His Word. Yet, in addition, it’s about having a healthy respect for people’s heart and soul. This is where we extend mercy to others. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Looks like according to the Bible, there’s a double effect. Jesus extends mercy to us, but when the situation calls for it, we also must return the favor to others. Hint: Blessed are the merciful.

So whatever you need mercy for, pray for it. Ask for it. If you need to extend it, do that as well.

Another thing that I need to write and caution here (before I close this post) is to not take God’s mercy for granted. No doubt, we make mistakes and we say and do things that we shouldn’t, but when we do, we have to make things right and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is not a license to blatantly go out and sin against God, and then say, “Well, He’s going to show me mercy anyway.” That is a complete, no-no!

Instead, we need to humbly consider the Scriptures of what God’s Word says about our actions and be ever-so-grateful for His mercy when we mess up. Lamentations 3:22 encourages, “It is the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Thank God!

Listen sis. Receiving and extending mercy are both a part of the Christian life. It’s a heart action. Keep in mind, mercy means forbearance, grace, forgiveness, compassion, pity, charity (love). So let’s receive it and give it, because we all need mercy.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Do you need mercy today? Do you need to extend mercy to someone that you may not have been compassionate towards? In other words, do you need to be pardoned or need to pardon someone? If so, do it today. Don’t wait. Also, if you need prayer, don’t hesitate to email me at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I’ll partner with you in prayer.

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

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