Memory Verse: Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Read: Matthew 18:23-25 (KJV)23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
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Open Heaven Daily Devotional For Today Friday 17th January 2020 – How Hungry Are You
Message
According to our Bible reading for today, it is unwise for anyone not to have mercy on those who offend them.
The mercy you enjoy from God is enormous (Lamentation 3:22-23), how can you then not show mercy, even if just a little, to those who offend you? Jesus expects you to forgive any and every offence that is committed against you. He clearly demonstrated this in His conversation with Peter in Matthew 18:21-22:
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
It is foolish for you not to have mercy on those who offend you because you are only withholding mercy from yourself. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus taught His disciples thus:
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Another side to demonstrating mercy, is to show compassion on others. Many pray endlessly that God should solve their problems, whereas there are people around them whose problems they can solve, but they refuse to help them. God is saying in our memory verse that it is those who show mercy to others that He will be merciful to. Furthermore, Proverbs 21:13 says:
“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”
So you see now why it appears God does not answer some people’s prayers.
So you see now why it appears God does not answer some people’s prayers.
Key Point
Show mercy if you want to enjoy the same.
Bible in one year: Genesis 19-21
Hymn: Sing hymn 18
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