His Word for Today: Book of Numbers 23:27-24:14

Today's verses talk about being faithful to the Lord when showing mercy towards others. When we are merciful to others, we may be tempted to go beyond what the Lord is leading us to do because we are doing them a favor. 

Although the Lord initially did not want Balaam to go with Balak, He honored his freewill to go with Balak after being requested to but still follow His guidance. (Ref Numbers 22:20) So before we step out to show His mercy towards others to go the extra mile, we need to remind ourselves a couple of things: the best growth lesson is when the person experiences the good or the bad from the choices the person makes, (Ref Deuteronomy 28) or the Lord may be planning to use others to reveal His mercy.

If we were waiting for someone for an appointment who did not show up on time, how much time are we able to stretch? We need to remind ourselves that we have our own assignments from the Lord to fulfill so we need to balance with investing time in others to show His mercy just like the Samaritan in the Scriptures did. The Samaritan moved on with his or her assignment but at the same time having done his or her best within his or her boundaries to help the man who encountered the robbers.  (Ref Luke 10:30-37) It is important that we continue to guard our hearts. (Ref Proverbs 4:23) We will lose peace in our hearts if we step out of our boundaries. (Ref Colossians 3:15) 

Today, let us ask ourselves how far we can go to extend His mercy through us. Showing mercy towards others does not mean to forfeit your own assignments from the Lord for the day but to know that it is one of the assignments from the Lord for the day.

May the Lord continue to richly bless you!