To Whom to Delve Out Mercy

I was recently watching the news related to the 2024 election cycle and was impressed with the candidate who took time to engage and interact with those supporting the other party. He was there to understand and learn from them. What I learned here is that I have to step out away from those who are like me and into the environment where I can meet and interact with those who are in need of what the LORD has for them and work to fulfill the work He has for me.

“¹⁰And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. ¹¹And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” — Matthew 9:10-11 (ESV)

Jesus regularly went to where the people were, regardless of who those people were. He traveled with His disciples, yet spent time with those who were not exactly of like mind. He was there for the people and not the other way around. Yes, there were those moments when Jesus met with and counseled His disciples to ensure that they were learning and preparing to take over when His time was done, but the bulk of His time was spent with those in need and not those of like mind.

“¹²But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³Go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” — Matthew 9:12-13 (ESV)

Jesus taught me that those who are in need of mercy are those who are lost. Those who are like me are not regularly in need on mercy (although God provides it when needed) for they are the ones doing the work of God as they have received Him already. I have to remember to engage with those in need as Jesus says in verse 13 above, “For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners”. “Those who are well have not need of a physician, but those who are sick.” In order for me to bring mercy to those in need, I have to engage with those in need.

Now, as I mentioned above, Jesus did meet with and work with His disciples to counsel, teach, and prepare them for what lie ahead, but He was focused on spreading the Gospel to those in need. In my career as a training professional, it is important that I work with my peers to counsel, teach, and prepare them (as well as learn from them), yet I have to spend the bulk of my time working with those in need of my educational services. I have to bring them the growth and learning that will help them.

I have to remember to delve out mercy to those in need of it and that is going to be those who are a little (or even a lot) less like me. I have to step into those environments and bring what the LORD has for me to bring into them. I have to let them know that the LORD loves and has compassion for them and wants nothing but the best for them.

What about you, where are you spreading mercy? Are you finding yourself continually in the environments of those who are like you? What if you where to step out into the environments of those who are not like you to delve out mercy to those who may not be aware it is available and are in need of it?