He delights in Mercy. Micah 7:18b
I’ll never forget...it was one of the worst things I’ve ever done. I was young, naive (a nice way of saying I wasn’t very smart) and early in my career when my boss called me into his office. It was his delight to give me a promotion and make my day. Unfortunately, due to corporate monetary constraints, he was unable to grant me a raise at that time. What...a promotion with no financial reward??? I felt like I’d been slapped! Rather than being grateful, I was livid and I responded accordingly. Oh friends, it was an ugly moment and the words I spoke should have gotten me fired on the spot. Praise God for His grace and mercy. Instead of terminating me, as I truly deserved, my boss graciously forgave me! On that dreadful day I learned something about self-control and gratitude. But, most importantly, I learned about the power of mercy. My boss gave me what I didn’t deserve…a second chance and a promotion. Isn’t that what God does? He grants us his grace and mercy even when we don’t deserve it.
According to the Lord, it doesn’t matter how small or great our sin, we are transgressors. We deserve punishment and eternal separation apart from Him (Romans 3:23). But thankfully, God would rather show mercy than judgement and He proved it by sending His son to be our substitute and to take the punishment for us (Romans 4:25). What’s more, He continues to show us mercy every day. Psalm 103:8-10 says The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. God models mercy and He wants us to follow His example.
Let me ask you. Is there someone at work you need to be merciful towards? Is there someone you need to forgive? If so, do what God has done for you. Your workplace challenge is to delight in showing mercy. Start by giving others the benefit of the doubt. It will make a huge difference in your witness and it will be a blessing in your life. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). Strive to emulate God’s lovingkindness every day by giving others a second chance. Refuse to hold a grudge and don’t get even with those who have hurt you. God has been merciful toward us and we should be toward others. Delight in showing mercy toward others and do it for His Glory.