Daily Companion  | 16 September

RECIPE FOR DIVINE FAVOUR

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” -Proverbs 3:3, 4

She was a prostitute. Two messengers incidentally ran into her apartment to hide from being captured and executed. Rahab would rather show mercy to let them escape than play a harlot, blackmail or expose them. This was an exceptional act of mercy that was later rewarded with everlasting mercy and favour from God. 

An act of mercy is choosing not to harm or punish someone you have power over. It choosing to forgive someone you have the right to punish. Mercy may force you to set aside rules and regulations. Mercy will prevail over law and judgment. Mercy preserves the dignity and life of others. When mercy meets truth they are the sweetest recipes for divine favour. In Colossians 3:12, Paul admonished the believers to "Put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering". As God's elect, holy and beloved let mercy prevail.

It is not all sins or errors of others you have to expose. Show mercy. Preserve the dignity and honour of others. Let your bowels be filled with mercies, forgiveness and kindness. Let love mix with mercy in your heart. Love covers a multitude of sins (James 5:20, 1 Peter 4:8). The apostles knew this recipe of divine favour. They preached and practised it. They eventually earned eternal favour from God. 

As a Christian with the fear of God, mercy may have friction with the law of men. It is good to obey civil rules and regulations but let mercy prevail over judgment in your conduct. Mercy is not a licence for indulgence but a means to forgiveness. Be law-abiding. The law is made for the offenders, not the righteous. An act of mercy is to restitute your wrongdoing as well. Return what is wrongfully in your possession today. Show mercy to the rightful owner.  Beloved, as you step out this day, prepare to show mercy to the sinners. Tell them about the mercy of the Lord.

Today’s Recite: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. -  Matthew 5:7 

Today’s Morning Prayers:  My heavenly Father I thank You for a new day of mercy. I ask for forgiveness for not showing acts of mercy enough. I ask for Your grace to show mercy to others from this moment onwards in Jesus mighty name! Amen! 

Today’s Hymn: Let Others See Jesus in You

Today’s ReadMe: Hahum 1 - 3