Show Mercy

Growing up, I came to realize the Chinese culture is into revenge. It appeared in books,

movies, daily life, families, etc. One of the best things you can do for your family and friends

is to show them mercy. Mercy is love in action. When you overlook irritations and choose to

be kind to those closest to you, even when they don’t deserve it, you’re being merciful.

Another important to show mercy is to let go of past hurts. Do you keep a mental record

every time someone in your family does something wrong? Are you quick to remind a friend

of how they’ve hurt you? The Bible says real love doesn’t store up hurts and offenses to be

used later for revenge. When you hold on to a hurt like that, you are not being loving.

“Love is . . . not rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs.” (1 st Corinthians 13:4-5).

Notice how “rude” and “keeps no records of wrongs” are in the same verse. That’s the

reason people are rude: They’re reacting out of an old hurt and taking it out on others. And

when they react to a past hurt, they can’t relate to the present.

Leviticus 19:18 says, “Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself.” Are past grudges holding you hostage today? Don’t hold grudges over your loved one’s heads. And don’t tell other people about your grudges, either. That’s gossip! Instead, just let them go. Sometimes it’s hardest to show mercy to the people who are closest to you. But when you can let it go and be merciful, you become more like Jesus.

There are many ways to find healing from past pain, including seeking biblical counseling

and mentoring, praying through Scripture, and obeying the Holy Spirit. What is one step you

can take today, however big or small, toward healing?