Compassion in Action (Day 1)
Mercy Has Legs
Matthew 5:7 (ESV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
“Mercy is compassion in action — it refuses to leave the broken where they fell.”
Devotional Thought
I don't know if you caught my sentiment yesterday but here's what I wanted you to know.
Mercy doesn’t stand still.
Mercy doesn’t freeze up.
Mercy moves.
Jesus took us through the first four Beatitudes to get our hearts right with God: poverty of spirit, mourning over sin, meekness under His hand, a hunger for righteousness. But then He pivots in the fifth beatitude. This one shifts from inward formation to outward demonstration. That’s powerful!
Mercy is compassion in action. It doesn’t stop with “I’m sorry for you.” It actually does something. It bandages wounds, pays the price, crosses the street, and refuses to leave people in the gutter.
If you think about it, the only reason I (Scott) can stand before God today is mercy. He didn’t just feel sorry for me — He moved toward me. He stepped in. That humbles me every time, because God knows I needed it. Didn't you?
Jesus says blessed are the merciful because they reflect the heartbeat of the King. You could say mercy is the first beatitude with legs.
So let me ask you: who is God putting on your heart today?
Who is the person you’d rather ignore, but you know He’s nudging you to move toward?
If God’s mercy is compassion in action, then your compassion needs a target.
That’s why the kingdom expects it to move.
Mercy doesn’t stand still.
Mercy doesn’t freeze up.
Mercy moves.
Jesus took us through the first four Beatitudes to get our hearts right with God: poverty of spirit, mourning over sin, meekness under His hand, a hunger for righteousness. But then He pivots in the fifth beatitude. This one shifts from inward formation to outward demonstration. That’s powerful!
Mercy is compassion in action. It doesn’t stop with “I’m sorry for you.” It actually does something. It bandages wounds, pays the price, crosses the street, and refuses to leave people in the gutter.
If you think about it, the only reason I (Scott) can stand before God today is mercy. He didn’t just feel sorry for me — He moved toward me. He stepped in. That humbles me every time, because God knows I needed it. Didn't you?
Jesus says blessed are the merciful because they reflect the heartbeat of the King. You could say mercy is the first beatitude with legs.
So let me ask you: who is God putting on your heart today?
Who is the person you’d rather ignore, but you know He’s nudging you to move toward?
If God’s mercy is compassion in action, then your compassion needs a target.
That’s why the kingdom expects it to move.
Application Questions
- Who do you know right now that needs more than your sympathy — they need your help?
- What keeps you from stepping in when you see people who are hurting?
- How can you take compassion in action today?
Today's Challenge
Identify one person you’d normally pass by — and do something practical to help them.
Send the text, pray with them, share a meal, give what you can. Let mercy move.
Send the text, pray with them, share a meal, give what you can. Let mercy move.
Today's Prayer
Father, thank You for showing me mercy when I was broken, helpless, and ashamed. Thank You that You didn’t just feel sorry for me — You came after me. Help me not just to feel compassion but to act on it today. Show me who needs my mercy, and give me the courage to move. Make mercy my lifestyle, not my exception. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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