Mercy, Lovingkindness and Truth
How can we purify our hearts from the negativity and get it cleansed? This is the question I have been pondering on lately. As I read the Bible, I came across the following verse:
“By mercy and lovingkindness and truth, the wickedness is cleansed from the heart, and by the fear of the LORD, one avoids evil.” Proverbs 16:6.
We are to substitute all the negativity and wickedness that we carry in our hearts with mercy, lovingkindness and truth. Every time our heart produces negative thoughts about people around us, we should promptly replace is with merciful and compassionate ones.
Instead of judging how someone acts or what they do, why don’t we pray for that person. We can never know the reasons which lay behind the behavior of that person. Let’s show mercy, be compassionate and forgiving. We all heard that “hurt people hurt people”. If someone mistreats you, try to repay evil with good, be merciful and think of the ways to help that person instead.
“By mercy and lovingkindness and truth, the wickedness is cleansed from the heart, and by the fear of the LORD, one avoids evil.”
In place of anger, frustration and impatience, let’s show lovingkindness towards our loved ones and people around us. No one is perfect, including ourselves. We must look at ourselves first, and see how we can improve, because we can only control ourselves and not others. We can pray for others and wait onto the Lord to work and change their hearts. In the meantime, we are to show lovingkindness and help them, if it’s within our ability. There are times when we mess up ourselves and make mistakes. Wouldn’t we want for another person to show understanding and kindness towards us, instead of getting frustrated with us? We must always treat others, as we would like to be treated.
Instead of assuming the worst about people or having negative assumptions about them, why don’t we first try to seek truth. I am talking about the truth why one behaves in a particular way. There have been so many times, when I assumed all the wrong reasons why a person acted in the way that would hurt my feelings. And as it would turn out, their intention was not to hurt me on purpose, but there would always be a completely different reason why they acted that way. And all I did is carried all that negativity in my own heart, without seeking the truth first. The truth cleanses the heart and relationships.
Let the Holy Spirit keep working on purifing our hearts from wickedness, and replacing our old selves with new ones. And, to further avoid the evil and not turn back to the old ways, we must fear the Lord. Fearing God, means acknowledging His sovereign control over everything and everyone. He is the true King and amazing Creator. Worship and serve Him only.
Will we make mistakes as we walk on the path of righteousness? Yes. We will be completely perfected once Jesus returns. Right now, we have our a "defense attorney" (Jesus) who cleanses us from our sins as we truly repent. He knows your heart and He is always there for us. Turn to Him and pour out your soul, let Him change your heart forever.
Praise and rejoice in the Lord.
Amen.
Live and Rejoice.
