BORDERS OF PREJUDICE

Yehovah is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. Yehovah is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:8-9).

If asked if you are a merciful person, you would probably answer, “I think I am merciful. To the best of my ability, I sympathize with those who suffer. I try to help others and when people hurt me, I forgive them and don’t hold a grudge.”

All true Christians have a good measure of mercy for the lost and hurting, certainly, and that’s something to be thankful for. But the sad truth is, there are biases in our hearts running like deep rivers, and over the years they have carved out borders of prejudice.

From what Scripture says, we know that our Savior would never turn down the desperate cry of a prostitute, a homosexual, a drug addict or an alcoholic who has hit rock bottom. The Messiah’s mercies are unlimited: there is no end to them. Therefore, as his called-out Assembly; The Messiah’s representative body on the earth; we cannot cut off anyone who cries out for mercy and deliverance.

All over the world, God’s people are experiencing suffering, afflictions and torture more than ever in their lifetime. And there is a divine, eternal purpose in the intensity of these spiritual and physical battles now being endured in the true body of the Messiah Jesus. Like his God and Father Yehovah he shows tender mercy towards all people.

Jesus never established vengeful, hate-filled armies; he used no carnal weapons. Instead, he pulled down strongholds by his mighty lovingkindness. Our lord has but one battle plan: tender, merciful love. Indeed, love drives all his works on earth. Jesus is the full expression of God’s love: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

The darker the days become, the more the world is going to need consolation, hope and love. People will need to see that others have been in the battle of their lives and were brought through. We need to be able to say, “I have proven the Messiah I serve to be merciful and kind. He has loved me through everything, and his love and mercy can be yours, as well.”

No matter how hopeless things seem, the lord Jesus has tender mercies for you, to bring you through.

Written by David Wilkerson and edited by Bruce Lyon