“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 6 Number 43
#287 “Just When You Want to Let Them Really Have It!”

October 25th, 2023

I never want us to get into a rut.
Let’s do something really different as far as the layout and design of this edition of “Karen’s Notes!” It is such a privilege to share something each week either from the margin of Karen’s study Bible, her own personal Bible study journal, or conference notes that she would share in a ladies’ retreat.

Men! Don’t leave me at this point.

Though Karen only accepted invitations to speak to ladies, this entry is so very good for all of us. Men and ladies alike, I know beyond any shadow of doubt that there have been times when you have just had it and are frustrated with how some people act and talk. Probably there have been times when you just wanted to let them have it!

Karen never got over it.
It never became old and commonplace to her.
I am speaking of the word “mercy”!
Through her conference speaking and personal mentorship, Karen worked with many ladies in various stages of spiritual growth. These dear ladies (and might I add we men as well) all face situations in this broken world that at times are unfair, unkind, and unpleasant. To be absolutely honest, you probably have folks in your corner of the world that are not always so easy with which to deal.
Mercy is an amazing word. It doesn’t mean to ignore sinful situations that need to be addressed. It rather means that the merciful never stoop to revenge or hurtful retaliation. It doesn’t give them what they deserve!

She loved the Psalms and was enjoying her study of Psalm 145.

When she came to “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3), in the margin of her Bible she wrote the following note.

Karen wrote: “Totally awesome. Cannot be put into words.”
She then came to the following: “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8), and she entered a little longer note in her Bible study journal.

Karen wrote: God is merciful. He withholds what I really deserve!
His mercy is eternal. “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him” (Psalm 103:17).
His mercy is a delight to Him. “Who is a God like unto You…He delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18).
His mercy makes my salvation possible. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” (Titus 3:5).
His mercy provides clear perspective. “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

I just have to remind myself of this: I am not advocating that we ignore sinful behavior. I am not saying that we offer up excuses for bad behavior. I am not saying that we never lovingly confront someone. I’m just saying that when you are angry and just want to let someone really have it, remember mercy. The LORD has graciously dealt with us in mercy. Who in your life needs some mercy from you?