“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him” (Psalm 103:17).

Yesterday I told you about Pastor Kenward challenging his church family to be watching for opportunities to show mercy to others. This doesn’t mean that they should compromise their convictions nor allow sin to go unchallenged. Not at all. But think of this.

It was really interesting in the foyer that next Sunday. Jack walked by and told the Pastor that a driver had accidentally cut him off. He was ready to lay on the horn, but then he remembered mercy. “I actually gave him a friendly wave like it was okay.”

Just as they were talking, Mike walked up and said, “Hey, Pastor Kenward, here’s my mercy report. So two of us were at the diner for lunch. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. The poor waitress. She was frazzled. Someone didn’t show up. By the time my order came, it was not really warm. Folks were starting to get upset. Mercy! I grabbed the coffee pot and started walking around doing refills. It was great.”

From behind, Sandy spoke quietly to Pastor Kenward. “I forgave a hurt and didn’t retaliate. I probably wouldn’t have done this except for your challenge. Thanks, Pastor.” On and on this went for another fifteen minutes.

So will you accept the challenge? As I said yesterday, we still take a stand against sin. We do stand for righteousness and justice. Balancing both of these, we also extend mercy. How will you be able to express mercy to others today?