Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, [4] And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. …
We live in a world where people want to be right, without basing what they believe in truth. Even if someone does not believe that something is true, that doesn't make it so. You might not believe that I am a millionaire, but that doesn't make it any less true (smile). Just like some people will not believe that Jesus is THE Truth, doesn't make it any less true. They want to be right, they want to live right, and they want lives that are right, but they will reject the truth of Jesus. Or, they will try to accept parts of the truth. But they reject the harder parts of the truth. That's why you will hear many people talk about God, but not Jesus!
Solomon tells us in this Proverb, that by wearing Truth and Mercy bound to our necks, and written in our hearts, that we will gain favor in the sight of God. Notice that if something is bound to your neck it cannot be easily removed, this is also the case for something is written on your heart.
As we go out and minister to people, yes we must present the truth, but at the same time, we must have mercy for their ignorance of the truth.
That's a very difficult thing to do. It can certainly be frustrating when people are constantly requiring new mercy from us as finite beings. But, not of God who is infinite. Always try to keep God's mercy being extended to you; before you knew the truth, and afterward. We need His new mercy every day. In the book of Lamentations 3:22-23 we learn that God's love and mercy never ends, and His mercy is new every morning. God knows we need it.
So, how do we do this? How do we present the truth to those who don't know or don't care to know and at the same time, have God's love and mercy at the forefront of our minds? Go back to that Proverb and look at the next couple of verses. Hallelujah!
We love you and we are praying for you.
-SALT, Pastor Erroyl
Sis Pinky’s Prayer:
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to keep your mercy and truth around me so that I won't sin against you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
