Mercy

Years ago I found myself broke and in real trouble. My wife and I had a baby...and I was unemployed, in debt, and without food for my child. I called a Christian friend and told him my status; I fully expected a lecture from him. Instead, he told me to come over to his house. Once there, he gave me $62 in cash and offered his friendship.

We are close brothers to this day...18 years later.

Mercy is not giving someone what they deserve.

Here's the rest of the story. I had left the military, sure of myself...that I was making a good decision to enter into sales and start my own business. I failed at both.

I then entered the ministry for a bit. It paid little but offered me the chance to serve, and to continue looking for another position. I then started into a multi-level business, fast, furious, and without thoroughly considering my options. This friend -- the one who extended mercy -- questioned me about my decision. He really implored me to think twice about taking my family down this road.

I dismissed him out of hand.

He tried to help me, but I ignored his counsel. He was a friend who sought my good; I was the arrogant one who thought he was out to lunch.

I didn't talk with him in any sort of depth for quite some time...until I made that phone call. He could have told me, "I told you so...beat it." He didn't. Instead, he extended mercy. He did so because, as he told me, God had extended mercy and grace to him.

He fulfilled the Law of Christ. It gave me a new hope and quite literally changed my life. I knew then that one day I would be able to return this same sort of mercy and grace to another.

That happened this weekend. I was getting fuel for my car when a guy approached me. He looked worried, scared really...dreading having to ask for help. He didn't want money. He just needed a bit of gas to get home.

In talking with him, it became apparent to me that I was the answer to his prayer for help. I learned from him that he was a recovering alcoholic who recently slipped back into the illness. He was having problems with his wife, but, I gathered, still loved her. He worked; valued his job. I told him about my merciful friend. I also told him about a song I heard recently. It discusses how each of us -- all of us -- fall down on occasion, but get back up. That the saint is just the sinner who falls down, but gets back up with God's help.

He wept. I did, too. And I bought him some gas.

He told me he would pass along this blessing to another some day. I believe him.

God used me. Me. I am humbled to tell you that I am allowed to carry the title, Ambassador of Christ. At just the right time, Christ died for me; and in just the right manner, He rose from the dead. He now prays for me...and he uses me.

By the way, you cannot outgive God. Before I got home, I found out that a neighbor had made my family a very large bowl of the most delicious fried rice meal...enough for several meals.

We all fall down...we can get back up again. Reach out friend, the God of Mercy is waiting to help.