WEDNESDAY’S WORD – GRATIS – 12/19/18 – Sadell Bradley – New Life Covenant Cincinnati

 

MERCIFUL – another word we don’t often see in action. It means to bring someone relief from something unpleasant. Mercy and compassion are not just to be felt, but shown. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Proverbs 11:25 states, “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Mercy is given to those who don’t deserve it, and to those who give it away. God’s demonstration of mercy also means we didn’t get what we deserved, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) 

   

No strings attached. That idiom is used to show that an offer or opportunity carries no special conditions, restrictions, rules, obligations or arrangements that must be made. Whatever is happening is occurring solely because of the benevolence of the giver…who expects nothing in return. There is no manipulation nor power-play involved, and no repayment expected. In commissioning His disciples, Jesus instructed, “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'”Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:7-8) When we give, share and do a kindness GRATIS, it announces that we are both under God’s rule and bringing the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven near to a broken person or situation. Remember when God’s mercy and grace met you GRATIS? Be a conduit of that same blessing to others.