GOD'S MERCY OR YOUR REVENGE

GOD'S MERCY-OR YOUR REVENGE It is Just a FACT OF LIFE People hurt us In today's world It may be intentional Or it may be That they don't even know They are doing it “But the Lord asked, 'Have you reason to be angry?'” Jonah 4:4 A CLASSIC story OF GOD'S MERCY Versus the anger of man Is REVEALED In the book of Jonah Jonah wants God's wrath To be thrust On the Ninevites For their evil deeds But instead OUR MERCIFUL GOD forgave them After the people repented Our Lord and Our God THE GREAT AND MERCIFUL ONE “Remember Lord Your great MERCY and LOVE For they are from of old” Psalm 25:6 “BLESSED are the MERCIFUL For they will be shown mercy” Matthew 5:7 “Judgment without mercy Will be shown To anyone Who has not been MERCIFUL MERCY TRIUMPHS over judgment” James 2:13 What family member-friend-or Even stranger-has offended you? Who can you forgive? Who can you EXTEND MERCY to in today's world? Jonah-in the above example Has a desire For revenge-against the Ninevite people Hence-God's question to Jonah “Have you reason to be angry?” Isn't that our response too When we've been HURT In this world That is the initial response In most human hearts WE want to seek retaliation We want that person “To get what they deserve” We want God “To make them pay for it” So I plead with you Do not be so quick To seek REVENGE Be ready to forgive And give another chance “DO NOT seek revenge Or bear a grudge Against any one Among your people But LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR As yourself I AM the Lord” Leviticus 19:18 “Do not take revenge My dear friends” Romans 12:19 Think of the story Of Jonah and the Ninevites OR What Jesus The KING OF MERCY said, “FORGIVE 70 x 7x” Matthew 18:22 Or “Father-forgive them For they do not know What they are doing” Luke 23:34 There is NO DOUBT That our desire for revenge MUST be replaced by mercy We can COUNT ON GOD'S MERCY But the question is: CAN WE BE MERCIFUL To one another? Robert P. Wallman October 6th, 2015 Ps INSPIRED by an article in LIVING FAITH MAGAZINE by Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.