Lord, Have Mercy!

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!

“Talk and act as people who are going to be judged by laws that bring freedom. No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:12-13 

Lord, my heart is grieved by the condition of the hearts of Your people, myself included.  The bitterness, anger and resentment are pervasive.  Images and sound bytes of brutality and cruelty flood the airwaves.  It may make for sensational news ratings, but what a deplorable commentary on the condition of our hearts.  Everyone believes their position is the right one.  There are stories, statistics and opinions to support just about every opinion.  The debates in the media are excuses to transform what should be civil discourse into a spectator sport of insult, insinuation and intolerance.  The greater the verbal beatings, the higher the ratings.  It is like modern gladiator games, where people, who are prisoners to their way of thinking, battle to destroy their opponent by wielding the sword of their tongue, and sometimes their fists.

Father, we all have been found to be the one in error at times.  What a blessing when the one holding a divergent opinion has extended grace to us instead of coming in for the kill.  Holy Spirit, begin with us.  Begin with the people of God.  Break our hearts over our brutality to one another.  Soften our hearts, that we would be like Jesus, who even when faced with cruel persecution, beatings and death, did not resort to baser instincts.  Father, help us to take the high road.  May Your whole armor snuff out and shield us from the fiery arrows of insult.  Strengthen our mettle and self control to not return fire.  May hatred be swallowed by love and brutality by kindness.  Give us eyes to see beyond the current conflict to choose strategy to win the war for ultimate good, as opposed to winning the current battle of ego.  Help us to rise above arrogance, hubris and pride, and to “... avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” - Titus 3:9.  May our hearts be doggedly determined to love, forgive, extend grace and mercy, encourage, exhort and inspire.

Father, I lift my friend.  May their life stand as a beacon of wisdom in a day of foolishness.  Grow the fruit of Your Spirit in their life.  Help them to keep their eye focused on their eternal home and long-term mission, so as to not follow the bait of the enemy and be embroiled in foolish controversy.  May their character be strong and behavior beyond reproach.  Fortify them with Your Word to be able to stand and to see You come to their defense. Equip them with the healing balm of Your Spirit to apply to the wounds of the fallen soldiers around them.  Lord, You know the day in which we live.  Provide all they need to live humbly and righteously in this fallen world.  And inspire and empower them to be quick to pour out mercy, so they will find mercy when they need it, too.  In Jesus Name ❤️

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