Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm (NASB).

There is no day that we do not need God’s mercy because we are imperfect beings. No matter how hard we try to please the Lord, we will be found wanting because the two natures in us continue to war against each other. We will err sometimes. At such times, we need the mercy of the Lord as we ask Him to forgive and cleanse us from our sins.

At other times, satan will tempt us and we will fall into temptation. On such occasion, we will need the Lord’s mercy. In the same way, people around us need our love and expressions of mercy too. The Scripture says, “The merciful man does himself good, but the cruel man does himself harm” (Proverbs 11:17, NASB).

When you are merciful to others, you are doing yourself a lot of good. The merciful man shows that he is a human being liable to making mistakes like his offender. If you choose to be cruel, you hurt yourself.

The servant in Matthew chapter 18 was forgiven much by his master but he failed to forgive someone who owed him so little. What happened? His master apprehended him and gave him the judgment he deserved. In this way, his act of cruelty led to his hurt. Think of the various ways you can help others and show them mercy. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Thank God for His mercies towards you and the many times He has forgiven your sins and show you His  goodness.
• Pray for and forgive those who have hurt you.

Hymn: O for a thousand tongues to sing. Blessed be the name  of the Lord.

Further Reading: Matthew 18:19-35.