TENDER MERCIES
By Patricia Jackson
McDowell County
We notice the tone of voice in the first few words a person speaks to us, whether harsh, hurried, helpful, or kind. In a recent conversation with a telephone associate, I was left with an impression of how useful and dedicated she was to solve my problem. As I thought about her kindness, I remembered scriptures in the bible about tender mercies, found numerous times throughout the bible.
Merriman Webster defines tender as gentleness, compassion, sympathy, concern, mercy, and love. Also young, fragile, vulnerable. Where do these emotions come from? 2 Corinthians 1: 3 tells us that “God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort.” He showers his children with mercies and all comfort. What a blessed promise!! Abraham and Sarah received God’s tender mercies with the birth of a son. God had promised this, and “he was able also to perform.”
Why does God grant us “tender mercies”? It may be due to a need in our life, our prayer to him, and our faith. God also comforts us in our tribulations that we may comfort others in trouble or suffering.
There are many ways we might experience tender mercies. Through blessings, strength to go on, protection, assurance, guidance, loving-kindness, support, and even spiritual gifts. Perhaps through ordinary moments in our life, according to our conditions and suited to the particular situation or moment we face. These moments are often unexplained, but that doesn’t make them less real. After Jesus delivered the man from a legion of demons, he prayed that he might stay with Jesus. But Jesus refused him and told him to “go home to thy friends and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Without God’s compassion and mercies, we would be consumed. (Lamentations, 3:22). His tender mercy gives us eternal life and saves us from hell.
Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need.” Isaiah 55: 3 tells us that there is an everlasting covenant with us, even the sure mercies of David can be ours. Just as God protected David from his enemies, he will also save us.
Tender mercies are a gift from an all-mighty God, all-knowing and seeing; to us, as undeserving as we may be. “Remember, O Lord thy tender mercies and thy loving-kindnesses.” Think on Psalm 25:6 daily as we thank God for our mercies and share the news with others.
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Patricia Jackson is the Assistant Teacher for the Ladies Class at Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church, Glenwood, NC. She is a grant writer for non-profits, a published author and retired Nursing Home Administrator. She lives in Rutherford County with her husband. Contact information: email address: wyo2go@bellsouth.net.
You can read more good Christian news from Patricia HERE.
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