THE GRACIOUS, THE MERCIFUL, AND THE CRUEL

Human beings, as the Bible sees it, are known, not by their status, their power, their position and their riches. In the true sense of human evaluation, they simply fade away into oblivion. Such things are not even considered worthy to be counted, even though they have their benefits, in an earthly sense – Proverbs 11:4a.

What does the LORD count as worthy, in human beings? What virtues do have value and worth for us and our living? The Bible makes this very clear to us. The LORD desires from us GRACE and MERCY, in our thoughts, words and deeds. 
– “16 A gracious woman retains honour, But ruthless men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.” – Proverbs 11:16-17
– “16 A gracious and good woman attains honour, And ruthless men attain riches [but not respect]. 17 The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behaviour returns to bless him], But the cruel and callous man does himself harm.” – Proverbs 11:16-17 [Amplified Bible]

When we walk the path of Grace and Mercy, then, the way we Think, Speak and Do things, are so very different, from the rest of the world around us. When we walk the path of Grace and Mercy, we are mirroring the very LORD, whom we claim to be following, as Christians.

Here is what happens to a person who walks with GRACE, in the ways of the LORD – “16 A gracious woman retains honour…” – Proverbs 11:16a
– A woman who is gracious in all aspects of her life, will gain honour, and will retain it.
– Honour that is true and permanent.
– Honour that God considers it worthy.
– Honour that the world is desperately trying to attain, through it vain and worldly ways, yet it eludes them.

Secondly, this is what happens to a person who walks with MERCY, in the ways of the LORD – “17 The merciful man does good for his own soul…” – Proverbs 11:17a
– When a man is merciful in his thoughts, words and deeds, he will surely reap its rewards.
– He demonstrates what kind of a heart he has.
– His mercifulness flows from the love in his heart.
– Love that is not earthly; rather, reflecting the heart of the LORD God Almighty.
– His MERCY is seen in his kind, generous and forgiving, demeanour, a reflection of the LORD, whom he follows.

Therefore, both the woman who is GRACIOUS, and the man who is MERCIFUL, not only fare better in comparison with the world, and the people who follow its ways, but also gain something, that is far more precious and priceless, than honour and standing in their earthly lives. They do good to their own souls, which outlives our human body; and that which is more precious, than all this world can ever give to us. They are considered by God Almighty, as His children, and His ambassadors.
– “36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
– “7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” – Galatians 6:7-8

Think about it, dear brothers and sisters. It is worth walking the ways of the LORD, faithfully and obediently. It is worth to be THE GRACIOUS, THE MERCIFUL rather than being THE CRUEL person. Can there be anything more valuable, than God counting us to be, His children? Even so, the LORD help us.