Tender-heartedness, Generosity, and Kindness

How do you think of God?

Do you think of him as "a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15)? Do you come to him as someone who is tender-hearted, generous and kind? Have you known his forgiveness?

Jesus calls on his followers to show the same grace towards others as the grace he has shown us. Paul writes to the Philippians, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

When you go a second mile beyond what is required of you, when you give back more than you owe, when you bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you, now you are acting like a kingdom citizen, and showing the mindset of Jesus.

When Jesus taught us to pray that God’s kingdom would come “on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:9), he was encouraging us to live in ways consistent with the kingdom, to begin to act today the way we will act in the context of the kingdom. We will be rich in mercy when we come into the kingdom. So what would it look like for us to live as mercifully today as we will one day?

It will mean that we will not grasp tightly to the stuff we have on earth. It means that we will be generous, make allowances for others, and not take offence when we have been pushed beyond normal boundaries. It will mean resting easier in the knowledge that the God who is rich in mercy will have the last say. It will make us easier to live with, and life easier to live.

Mercy, indeed.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, when I am mistreated or get less than I might deserve, help me not become bitter. Help me to extend mercy to those who don’t deserve it, even when they are less than merciful to me. Help me live the values of the kingdom even now. Amen.

Kent Anderson

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).