"MERCY MERCY ME"

James 3:18 "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

James is making the point that what we sow in our relationships is what we will reap. And in every relationbship we have, we are either sowing seeds of disorder, seeds of anger, seeds of mistrust, seeds of conflict....OR seeds of peace, love, kindness, gentleness, which will result in a harvest of righteousness.

But how do we plant seeds of peace in our relationships? What does it really mean to show true wisdom at home? In the office? At work? At school? Or in our neighborhood? James answers that question in verses 3:17-18.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness."

I can't share on all these points, so I'll share on one that helps me in my times of difficulty with others ...when I fail...fail to love, fail to sow seeds of peace..... MERCY is what gets me back on tract ...because my flesh is usually telling me...they don't deserve kindness...etc..etc...look what they have done to you.

During these difficult times...I want to say to the LORD...But they don't deserve it because - and usually I can't even finish my prayer... as soon as I start to say that....my heart is cut with the question...and you deserve WHAT??????? oops...The LORD doesn't let me get away with anything...(Thank you Father!)...famous quote: The man/woman who refuses to show mercy destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross.”

Showing mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve.

It causes me to stop looking at myself...and look at the person in front of me and say Thank you LORD for Your mercy on me...forgive me for forgetting.....help me to give out that mercy on others. LORD, I need Your wisdom...I need Your impartiality (I'm tempted to give more mercy to myself that to the others)...what can I do or say they will help turn this situation around so You are glorified and my "friend" is helped.

Standing in Him,
Sharon