The Language of Mercy

Good Morning Everyone,

I was thinking a lot this morning about relationships.

Over the years the texture of relationships has changed.
People expect you to be what they want you to be
or you cannot be a good friend.

They expect you to meet their "expectations" or
you are not really one of their kind or a true friend.

They expect you to be perfect.

Yet all the while, they cannot accomplish this either!

We are putting impossible expectations on each other,
giving no Godly love to each other, and absolutely no
mercy.

In chat rooms, I see people say I will never compromise
the gospel to people who don't believe. Yet these
same people are so legalistic in their presentation of
the gospel the love of God does not show through.

You cannot draw people to God with frustration,
legalism, haughtiness, I am better than you,
you are a lowly nothing mentality.

Jesus was a simple man with a simple message,
yet the Holy son of a living All Powerful God.
Jesus spoke to everyone the same, with love
mercy and a clear message. You are loved,
but you are sinners, you need my mercy, you
need my forgiveness and you need to repent.

The next time you want to sit and judge someone
for some dumb little thing they did and you didn't
like, remember mercy. God gave it to you,
and if you have him in you, you absolutely should
have that mercy for those around you.

People are not here to meet your expectations
they are here to meet God's expectations. Love them
where they are at with a unconditional love and pray for
them, and speak mercy and grace into your relationships
just as Jesus has into your relationship with him.

If he could forgive all our sins and wretched flaws,
how dare we not forgive others for the same thing?

And church members, remember just because
you go to church doesn't mean you are a higher
Echelon of believer. You need to have mercy to
those that are still growing in Christ. Church was
built around imperfect people in need of God.

You and I are both in that category, never forget it
and love others as Jesus loved you my friend.

If you are dogmatic, judgmental and lack mercy
you are not speaking the language of Jesus Christ
who loved us so much He gave his life for us when
we were utterly unworthy.

Get off the throne of judgment and condemnation
and lack of mercy, and put God on the throne again,
and let Him teach you how to "really" love
one another.

love,
millie

Love one another as I have loved you, by this
will all men know you are my disciples if you have
love to one another.
John 13:34

What a test for true, merciful love!

Below was my first website, I believe the truths
in it are still very relevant. If it gets too busy,
try back again later..

Click here: Loving God Loving Each Other http://www.geocities.com/sweetserenity_70542/LovingGod.html



Stunned By His Grace
by Max Lucado

I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with. He'd read the words I wrote: If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother? And, If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"

He didn't like that. Carrying it a bit too far, he told me. Fences are necessary, he explained. Scriptures are clear on such matters. He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.

I don't give it, I assured. I only spotlight where God already has.”

Later I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.

If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesnÂ’t, I'll say it to you. (It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:

I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.

Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise.

Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.

You won't find it.

Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine.

We could do the same.

I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man Brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I?

And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can overlook my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?

One things for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised to see us.


From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright 1994, Max Lucado