“And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Matthew 12:7 (ESV)
Dempsey walked into his bathroom, closed the door, and wept bitterly. It seemed to him that no one had ever had as much tragedy as him. When he was two years old, his mother died in an automobile accident, coming home from work. Then, when he was sixteen, his dad committed suicide.
At twenty, Dempsey was almost daily tormented with personal anguish. What was wrong with him? Was God mad at him? Did God take his mother because of something Dempsey had done? What had he done to make his dad want to give up on life? Was he so bad that everyone wanted to get away from him? You can see that the accuser was hard at work. The adversary even accused Dempsey of failing to do something, which would have prevented his parents’ deaths. Despite his innocence, on all counts, the devil-imposed guilt almost destroyed him.
After much prayer and some professional counseling, Dempsey began to reject the devilish accusations that came into his mind. With pastoral care, he came to understand that he must not accept guilt for events, which he neither caused nor controlled. In addition, after carefully guided analysis, Dempsey concluded that his father alone was responsible for the suicide decision and act. Although it was difficult for him, Dempsey recognized his own anger against his father’s act and finally began the process of forgiveness and regaining health.
It is easy to identify with Dempsey. We all know someone who is continually tormented, to some degree, by a tragic event? Forgiveness is usually the solution. If he/she is ‘guilty’ (i.e responsible in some way), then repentance is in order. Once an individual has truly repented, he/she must forgive him/herself. On the other hand, if he/she is not personally responsible, then forgiving the responsible person is the correct response. Now, no one said it is easy. But God is merciful and expects us to be also.
Interestingly enough, Self is most often the one who needs our mercy. The accuser was defeated at Calvary! It is time to get up and confidently walk in God’s promise and truth.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Have mercy and heal each person who reads theses words. I know that you hear our prayers. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s mercy,