Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35b-36
Where do you draw the line between enabling poor behavior and showing mercy? Jesus gave a long list of merciful things to the people: Do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. My human eyes look at His list, and in my mind I hear, “Allow yourself to be swindled – to be trampled – to literally be destroyed.” Is that what He meant? Is that what being a Christian is about?
Well… yes. The Christian life is about giving more than you get. Jesus modeled it on the cross. He gave Himself, so we might receive redemption. The Father only asks for ten percent, and we cheat Him while asking for more. His response is to bless us beyond our just deserve.
Lord, I really struggle with this. There are times I feel so cheated and underpaid for all my efforts. Teach me to show mercy and to trust Your provision. Make me a man of mercy. Make me more like You.