What is God doing right now? I know. Let me tell you. He is acting in mercy. It is simply what he does all the time. He sees people in need. And he meets those needs. So also, his children do the same. We meet the needs we see around us. First, we meet those needs closest to us, those in the faith.
Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
We start close and work outward from there. And as we meet the needs of people around us, the kingdom of God comes among them. Any time a need physical or spiritual is met in Christ name, his kingdom comes. Of course, we always proceed with the intention of delivering Jesus to meet the ultimate need all people have. But even when we are able only to meet a physical need in the name of Jesus, we have brought the kingdom into their midst. Just as Jesus’ deeds, words, and presence brought the kingdom into the midst of those living in his day, so also the kingdom is brought among people in our day in all those ways as well.
This acting in mercy need not be accomplished in big organized events. Certainly it is fine to organize events to care for those in need but the real habit of acting in mercy is accomplished in very simple ways. Generally, it happens as each Christian simply loves the people they find around them in their congregation, neighborhoods, and communities. They see needs and they meet those needs.
We act in mercy in the name of Jesus and God gets the glory. This is true whether our deeds are to our brothers and sisters in Christ or those yet outside of the kingdom.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
We have and do receive so much mercy from our God that it is only natural that we would extend acts of mercy to those in need. Those who receive mercy give mercy. Acting in mercy is just what the people of God do. They see need and meet that need out of the abundance that God has given. It is a habit of those made holy by Jesus.
This post is part of a series called Seven Excellent Habits.
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