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<v SPEAKER_00>Mercy is often hardest to show when someone has hurt us.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Our natural response is to hold on to the offense, protect ourselves, or hope they get what they deserve.

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<v SPEAKER_00>But Jesus calls his followers to something different.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Speaking to people who knew rejection, injustice, and real enemies, he said in Luke 6, 36, be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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<v SPEAKER_00>God's mercy is the model for our own.

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<v SPEAKER_00>He has shown us patience when we deserve judgment, kindness when we had nothing to offer, and forgiveness at great cost through Jesus.

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<v SPEAKER_00>As we receive his mercy, he teaches us to extend that same mercy to others.

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<v SPEAKER_00>It isn't about ignoring what is wrong, it's about reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Begin by thanking God for his mercy toward you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Praise him for his patience, his compassion, and the countless times he has forgiven and cared for you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Thank him that his love has never been based on what you deserve.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Now bring before the Lord someone who has disappointed, hurt, or frustrated you.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Tell him honestly how you feel and ask him to soften your heart.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Pray that he would help you see that person through his eyes and replace resentment with compassion.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Ask him to help you choose mercy even when it's difficult.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Let go of the need to make everything right yourself, and allow these words to settle in your heart.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.

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<v SPEAKER_00>And now pray for them.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Ask God to bless them, draw them closer to Himself, and work in their life in ways that bring healing, wisdom, and hope.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Pray that His goodness would be evident to them.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Help us reflect your heart in the way we treat others.

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<v SPEAKER_00>Teach us to forgive, to love, and to extend mercy as you have extended mercy to us.

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<v SPEAKER_00>May our lives point people to the kindness of our Heavenly Father.

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<v SPEAKER_00>In Jesus' name, amen.