It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day four in the final week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Go and Show Mercy

“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’  The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’“
Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)

How vengeful are you?  Are you sure?  How long is the list of people in your mind that deserve punishment for what they have done to you?  Are there people that you have refused to serve because you believe they deserve the situation they are in?  What does God say you deserve because of the sins you have committed?  How much mercy has God shown in your life?  How much mercy does He expect you to show to others as you serve them in His name?

Most of us, when reminded of God’s mercy toward us, would not readily admit our lack of mercy extended toward others.  Yet our actions and attitudes often tell a different story.  By its very nature, mercy is something that is not deserved.  So, if you are waiting for someone to deserve having you serve them in the name of  Christ, you are not extending the mercy that they need.  When you consider the relief that comes from God’s mercy extended to us, one of the greatest acts of service you can do for the people around you each day is to show mercy to them.

As you pray, ask God to help you understand more fully His mercy toward you so you will be more inclined to show mercy.

In prayer,

Tom