“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
I learned an important lesson about God’s mercy from my friend, Paul. His son came home from school with a letter from his teacher. It was one of those letters every child dreads to hand over to his parent. The letter informed him of his son’s misconduct.
After discussing the infraction with the boy, the child was disciplined. With tearful regrets, the child promised there would be no further incident.
The next day the boy returned with another letter from his teacher. He had committed the same violation. Again, his father disciplined him, and again the child promised there would be no further wrongdoing in school.
The following day, he returned with another letter, and the next day, also. On the fifth day, the child returned with another letter. It was apparent that the boy really wanted to do right; but for whatever the reason, just could not.
With tears in his voice, the boy again explained to his father what he had done wrong; then the father did something that changed everything. Paul reached into his wallet, pulled out some dollar bills and handed them to his son. The boy looked at them, and looked back at his father. “Why are you giving them to me? I don’t deserve them.”
“No, you don’t, son, but, I know you tried, and that is a reward for your attempt. I just know that when Monday comes, you will not come home with a letter from your teacher!”
He was right. The boy’s attitude changed. He went to school and did not have any further problems; all because he received something he did not deserve — mercy!
Paul’s discipline in that situation is a good picture of God’s mercy to many of His children; they do not get what they deserve, but God’s mercy and love are what can change their lives! Praise the Lord for His undeserved kindness to His children!
Read this related article: Aren’t You Glad You Don’t Get What You Deserve”.
It is said spare the rod spoil the child ! Yes children need to be spanked at times or have things taken away until they can show respect for it or the use of it and such . When my kids would fight over stuff I just took it away and said neither of you will have it until you can share .
Glad to see the site is working right today also @ Bill.
To all my brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for our country! Memorial Day is a reminder of how freedom comes with a heavy price! Please honor the men and women who’ve died in the battle fields by exercising your right to vote this November! Your (1) vote DOES count!
Thank you dear Lord for saving a wretch like me, I am so thank for God’s love & mercy.
I was rotten when the Lord saved me and despite my own self righteousness, I still am in HIs sight, were it not for my Savior! I do the best I can for Him. Thank God for grace, Thank God for our Saviour!
Yet how we are so underserving for His mercy sighs . I have seen kids be rewarded as this father did to his son and it didn’t work either so maybe what works for some doesn’t another , who knows ?
I agree Star. Some kids get rewarded for bad behavior cause the parents think that being nice to them and not punishing them will make them turn out better! I know this though, you don’t whip your kids when their young, their going to end up whipping you later on in life!
Amen! I heard a story one time of a boy that got into some trouble. His father would always discipline him for his actions. One day, when the child came home in serious trouble, the father removed his belt, took off his shirt and laid over his son’s bed and said “strike me ten times across my back!”
When the son finished, with tears in his eyes, he said “But father, you didn’t do anything wrong!” In which the father replied “I know my son!”
That’s the same thing our Savior did for everyone! We ALL sinned and fell short of God’s glory! We ALL deserved Hell for all eternity! But 2,000 years ago, God removed His glory and put on flesh (Jesus Christ), and removed His robe and was beaten, mocked, spit on, and died on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve! Thank you Jesus!
Great devotion Bro. Bill!