Speaking Of Mercy – Be a Catalyst for Mercy – Final
Message Notes begin here:
Acts 1:8 “You will be my witnesses”- Jesus
To be a witness simply means I share what God has done in my life.
It’s not your job to defend God. Because in a mean world, our greatest witness is to show mercy
LK. 6:36“Show mercy to others, just as your Fathershows mercy to you!”
Four Characteristics of a Catalyst for Mercy : How can I be more merciful?
1. Start Looking & Listening for People’s Needs
Mercy begins with awareness… paying attention… noticing, If you care, you’ll be aware.
Phil. 2:4 “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (TEV)
#1 destroyer of mercy is busyness. Mercy begins with looking & listening:
Attention is an act of love: Mk. 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” (NIV)
If you love people you look at them. And when you look at them you’re showing love for them.
2. Don’t be Offended by their SINS
Grace is messy! It is unconditional love! Jesus hung out with sinful people but he was not offended by their sins. I can’t look out for people if I’m, looking down on them!
Jude 1:22-23 “Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.” (NLT)
1 Pet. 4:8 “Most importantly, love each other deeply. Love has a way of not looking at others’ sins.” (ICB)
Note: We ARE to look out for people’s interests but NOT look at their sins!
Eph. 4:2 “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (LB)
Mt. 9:10-13 “That night Matthew invited Jesus to dinner with his fellow tax collectors and many other ‘notorious sinners’ The Pharisees were indignant. ‘Why does your Teacher eat with such scum?’ they asked. When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do!” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to be merciful, not offer sacrifices!’ For I’ve come to invite sinners to me, not those who think they are righteous.
Principle: Don’t expect unbelievers to act like believers until they are!
3. Choose MY Words CAREFULLY: Mercy puts a monitor on my mouth
Col. 4:6 “When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.” (NCV)
I’m never when I am abrasive
Eph. 4:29 “Do not say harmful things, but say what people need -words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”(NCV)
KEY: Ask God for wisdom! Jam. 3:17 “The wisdom that comes from heaven is pure, peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. Wisdom is full of mercy…” (NLT)
4. Value Saving People Over KEEPING Rules
Rules are not as important as relationships.
Mat.12:1-8 Jesus defended his disciples eating grain on the Sabbath. Jesus often broke rules to heal people.
Mat. 23:23 “You Pharisees are careful to tithe 10% of every part of your income, but then you ignore other important matters of God’s Law—justice, and showing mercy, and faith. Yes, you should tithe! But you also shouldn’t neglect the more important things!” Rule keeping is no excuse for withholding mercy.
Six Ways to Be A Catalyst of Mercy
1. Look for People in a Crisis & Listen to Them!
2. Look for People with Unmet Needs & Help Them!
3. Look for People who are Grieving & Comfort Them!
4. Look for People needing Friends & Show Hospitality!
5. Look for People who need a Second Chance!
6. Look for People who are Rude & be Kind to Them!
You can do these six things. But it will cost you. YOUR TIME! You’ve got to be willing to take the time.
Mt.25:34-40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Gal. 6:10 (NLT) Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.