Proverbs - Being a Merciful Person

Proverbs 11:17

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul:

but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

                    The next quality the Lord deals with in this chapter is mercy.  We looked at grace - the desire to see people become all they can be regardless of current performance.  Mercy is being able to see what someone really deserves and intentionally extending forgiveness and an opportunity to try again and again in the same arena.  Mercy says, “I forgive you....let’s start over”.  Grace says, “Not only do I forgive you but I believe you can do it right the next time.”

                    If we do not deal with others or ourselves with mercy, the scriptures teach us that our very flesh will be troubled.  When we hold on to past sins others have committed against us or we ourselves have committed, without giving or receiving forgiveness, we will have physical troubles as a direct result.  Do you have a high-strung personality?  Do you sense the tension in your neck, shoulders or jaw?  Is your stomach easily troubled or headaches plague you?  Sometimes these ailments are brought on because you lack mercy.  You have replayed things over and over again until you relive the pain many times over experiencing the wounds deeper and deeper although they were inflicted only once.  Dear sister, do you not know that your lack of mercy is in direct conflict with the One who now resides within you?  Do you not know that you are cooperating with your adversary and are aiding him in your destruction?  Sister!  Right now, bring that offense before the cross.  Let the mercy of the blood of Christ be applied to that offense.  It is more powerful than the offense itself!  Cry out for forgiveness for your hardened heart and allow the Spirit of God to make your heart of stone back into that tender heart of flesh you once had.