The Gift of Mercy
Matthew 5:7 (NLT) “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
David was a teenager when the prophet Samuel anointed him as the next King of Israel. The problem is that King Saul was still the King of Israel when David was anointed with Oil. King Saul committed a horrible sin, and God removed His anointing from King Saul. (1 Samuel 13:10-14) The Prophet Samuel told King Saul that his kingdom must end, and the Lord has already appointed another person. That was David.
When David became a young man, old enough to fight in battles, God’s anointing favored David instead of King Saul. After one of the battles, everyone celebrated by singing, “Saul killed his thousands, but David killed his ten thousand!” When King Saul heard them singing, he became enraged with anger and jealousy. From that moment, the King decided to kill David. For years, the King chased David, trying to kill him. One time, the King and his men found a cave and decided to stay and rest. What they didn’t know was that David and his men were already in the cave in the back. King Saul never detected David’s men. When the King and his men fell asleep, David had the opportunity to kill King Saul. But he didn’t. Instead, he used a knife to cut off a piece of cloth from the King’s cloak. David had every right to kill the King because the King was chasing him, trying to kill David. But David showed mercy and respect for the existing King.
I’m sure you’ve encountered many situations where you were in the right and had the opportunity to get revenge on someone who willingly tried to hurt you or damage your reputation. Revenge never reflects God’s nature. Mercy is holding back judgment or punishment on a deserving person. When you seek revenge, you are placing yourself as judge, Jury, Prosecutor, and Executioner. You also are not in the mode of forgiveness. Jesus clearly stated that if you don’t forgive, God will not forgive your sins. So if you don’t show mercy to others, God will not show mercy to you.
So how do you show mercy to someone who doesn’t deserve mercy? Start by praying to God and asking for help. Tell God exactly how you feel. Tell Him that you don’t want to show mercy. Then ask God for His strength. God promises to balance the books in your account.
Romans 12:19 (ESV): “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
God sees all, knows all, and will repay all! Giving mercy to others is a gift to them and to yourself.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright October 2nd,2026, All Rights Reserved