Mercy

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 19, 2020 | Blog

Are you willing to share?

“Mine, mine!” Is a commonly heard yelling, out of a child, with a face scowling-red with rage; who doesn’t care to let another child or adult have what they think they have bought their right to. We are usually quick to remind these little ones that they have to share, or take turns so as to be fair. They are hardly convinced until we offer them some kind of reward. Some might think it’s “cute” or “funny”, but left unchecked, selfishness can lead to many injustices in a society, biases, oppression, and discrimination. Are we any different from children about the things we have, or our perceptions of others as being undeserving? 

Kindness through mercy, is an individual trait— not a groupthink. Religion can’t conform anyone to be merciful, neither will rank in society. Those who are merciful are moved by compassion; their motivation is to meet a need. It’s ingrained in them to want to care for others. Mercy needs no coercion. 

³⁰ Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. ³⁴ So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ ³⁶ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” ³⁷ And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise (Luke 10).”

This verse is preceded by a lawyer wanting to know, if he is to love his neighbor as himself, who would qualify as a neighbor. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is a commandment to give to others what we wish would be given to us—if we were in their shoes. 

The priest and Levite were well-learned in God’s Commandments. As a matter of fact, they stood before God on behalf of the people. Yet, they failed to exercise that which they claimed they had learned since their childhood. We see, being religious was not enough to compel them to be compassionate. It’s not up to “certain religious people”, to do something, when we can also do something ourselves.  We know what God would have us do. Mercy is the application of God’s ways.

The victim’s own kind wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole. The Samaritan who didn’t share some of Jewish beliefs , and was considered an outcast by the Jews, came to the aid of one. Samaritans and Jews would never come in such close contact. Yet, this Samaritan put this man on his animal, while he himself walked. He tended to his wounds, and put him up at an inn, and paid whatever was needed to bring about his recovery. Racial biases set aside, religious differences thrown over, inconvenience made inconsequential , in order to save this man’s life. 

You don’t have to belong to a particular Church to show mercy; but you have to be moved by compassion for the suffering. We should not be defined by the Church we attend and the activities it does. This is Who Christ was: He knew The Father’s will and didn’t have to observe religious programs or customs, to meet people’s needs. He went about looking for the poor, the sick, the forsaken, to bring them hope and healing. So, if we are the Body of Christ, we are commanded as the verse above, to do likewise. 

⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matthew 25).”

It’s perfectly fine for us to take away toys from children who are unwilling to share. Why then, isn’t it right for the Lord to mete out a punishment for those who are unmerciful? If everything belongs to us, in our homes, then we have a right to take things away if siblings aren’t concerned to share. So it is with everything we have, all of creation belongs to the Creator; we are like tenants. Punishment is usually worse for the children, because they should know better. For us believers, the consequences of not helping those in need will cost us our eternity. The Lord wasn’t mincing words. He closely associates and becomes one with the needy. Well, so much for no coercion. If we could see our giving as an expression of worship, we would be more obliged. What we give out of kindness, is giving back to God what rightfully belongs to Him. 

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.(Matthew 25)’

Mercy is an offering from the heart. It’s acceptable to God before His Throne, and carries with it a reward. We should meet needs cheerfully, knowing that the Father keeps a memorial of our kindness to those in need. He blesses those who are willing to give, because they become His means to reach the less privileged. He uses our mercy towards others, to show mercy to us. By being merciful, we put down a deposit for our future hope.

Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. ² The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.³  The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed (Psalm 41).

Mercy holds a high place in God’s standing, especially as a form of worship. It can unlock the windows of heaven to pour out blessing, or it’s lack, can shut out our prayers from reaching God. It tests our attitude to material things that God has given us. By the measure we are willing to give, is the measure of our thanksgiving. True worship can never be without mercy.

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens. To let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? ⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? ⁸ Then your light shall break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. ⁹ Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am’ (Isaiah 58).

Surely, will God not supply for what He wants us to do? Sometimes we worry too much about tomorrow, when we have what we need for today. Someone may not have what they need urgently, but we withhold from them what we think we need in the future. While we claim we trust God, we fail to let go, so that someone else may learn to trust Him and prove His Faithfulness. This is like killing two birds with one stone: We are failing to give someone else an opportunity to experience God’s Goodness, by being unwilling to let God use us to meet their needs. 

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you (Proverbs 3).

A grudge can be a hindrance to being merciful. The person needing help may have done us wrong before, and we may not see it befitting to offer them anything. In fact, it may seem like their struggles are their just deserts. But we should be better than our enemies, for our egos sake, right? Then why not prove that, by being compassionate? There’s good and evil and we have to pick which side we come out on. Mercy looks beyond past differences. It defines us more than it defines the offenses done against us.

We will choose good in a world where others take pride in evil. We will give hope, where others would prefer to turn away. We will worship God with everything He has given us, so that they may see The Living God Lives through His people.

20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12).

Forgiven

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 12, 2020 | Blog

CO-AUTHORED WITH KAYLA: MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

 I stood in the crowd waiting to see what everyone was keenly watching. Then, he appeared riding on a donkey. Once everyone saw him, there was an uproar. It wasn’t an upset uproar but one of joy. However, the Pharisees lurked in the shade disgusted by the scene. People grabbed branches and broke them off the trees. They then waved them around wildly praising the one on the donkey. He didn’t look like someone from a wealthy family or an important figure, but he was calm and gentle. People shouted, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!” Everyone was singing and dancing. It was as if the mood spread, like a plague, covering the entrance of the city. I couldn’t help but join in on the fun. 

Then on Friday, the same people who were shouting praise to this figure were now against him in large crowds, before the council. He looked different, but his expression did not change, still calm and gentle. He was bruised and beaten horrendously. He looked like he was hanging on life by a thread. A man so innocent and pure was being treated like a dirty criminal. 

Pilate, the governor, saw this man’s innocence and took a shot at persuading the crowd to let him go. He was required to release a criminal as it was the custom on Passover. He gave them a choice; the innocent man or Barabbas. However, the crowd pressed on, pressuring Pilate to sentence him to the death that was originally planned for that brutal murderer. After another beating, this kind man was forced to carry a cross up to Golgotha and take on the sins of everyone past, present, and future. This man faced torment worse than death—the wrath of God. 

 After the sixth hour, the sun was hidden in the thick gray clouds. Darkness covered the earth. His mother, who was watching it all, wept terribly. He told the man standing next to his mother, to take good care of her. Once he took his last breath and his heart had beat its last, he cried out with a bold voice, “It is finished!.” A large earthquake shook the hill, startling everyone who witnessed this.

The crowd disbanded and he was taken down from the cross to be buried in Joseph’s tomb; where no one else had laid before. When the commotion had settled and three days had passed, word came out that his body had disappeared. Some people said that the disciples stole his body from the tomb. However, that was what the council wanted them to believe. The reality of it all was that Jesus, the innocent man, had risen and conquered death. 

 This was a first-hand account of the events that happened through the week of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. It was based on Isaiah 53, the prophecy of Jesus’ death. While you read this, I hope you imagined yourself in the story. When I wrote this for a school assignment, it gave me chills. Just knowing that he went through so much pain just for us, left me in awe. It made me feel more grateful for his death and resurrection. 

Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Matthew 27:42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”

When I read these verses it became clear to me that he didn’t have to die for us. He could’ve done it another way. It also showed me that He could’ve come down from the cross, if it was too much for Him to handle. However, Jesus shows us and everyone who watched Him suffer that sin must be dealt with severely. There’s no other way around it. Even though He was suffering, and even though it was too much for Him to handle, He still chose to finish the job, because He loved us. He was the ultimate role model for humility and perseverance. 

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

This verse is part of the prophecy. The first part of it is what I want to focus on. This Scripture tells us that it was God’s will for Jesus to suffer. It was His will to put His Son through pain that we cannot imagine. It was God’s will the whole time, to save us from our sin and break the shackles around our feet. It was His plan to free us from bondage and for that, we are grateful.  

This Easter, I want you to know that we didn’t deserve what we were given. We didn’t earn what we got. However, God is a Merciful God and gave us a second chance through Salvation; because it was His plan from the start. I want to close out with this: Are you sincerely grateful for His sacrifice and do you accept His salvation? 

Happy Easter!

Strengthen

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 3, 2020 | Blog

Do you see a need?

The world is a place of many interactions and that could determine our impact on others. Each day presents us with a chance to meet our needs and those of our loved ones.  We can choose to see beyond ourselves, and become part of a story in someone else’s chapter; as a character who adds a particular flair. Sadly, we tend to look for our material benefit as a gauge on whether we can help others, or the accolades we might receive. There’s no telling if our good deeds will get us some fame, awards, or benefit us directly. When there’s a need, glory should be of no relevance. 

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ² Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ³ But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly ( Matthew 6).

These are Christ’s own Words. When the Lord speaks there’s a lot of wisdom to be mulled over. We are to consider carefully how we give to those in need, by checking first our motives. A giving heart acts in concert with God’s kindness. 

Those who give with a good conscience, are aware that The Father sees their heart, more than the deed. They express what God desires for those in need. By doing God’s will on Earth as it is in Heaven, they will therefore be rewarded by God. They take their instructions from the headquarters above, and not from man; with no pressure to please man. Since, spiritual things are hidden things, they must be honored as such. The works of the Kingdom should not be degraded by self glorification.

⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. ⁸ Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3).

Giving doesn’t just have to be tangible things. We can avail ourselves by offering a helping hand. Every good cause was an idea by someone, but it needs to move from being an idea to an action. Man isn’t an island. Goals can be achieved more efficiently, by enlisting the help of others. As long as there’s a need, help is needed. There’s no need to compete or take scores, or feel as if asking for help would rob one of the glory, as the inventor of the idea. Many hands make light work, and all have equal importance, in order to achieve a common outcome. 

We are God’s fellow workers―we are God’s instruments or tools, in His Hands to get things done. We can appreciate the acumen, skills, and values others’ bring into the team; to be more effective, by learning from each other. Each one’s attitude and determination will be their reward, without trying to outshine others.

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. ⁹ And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” ¹⁰ So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. ¹¹ And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹² But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ¹³ So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword (Exodus:17).

How long are we willing to help others who are fighting for their lives, before we give up? Some situations that people are faced with need a lot of support from others. There are some battles that can’t be fought alone; they are exhausting, and emotionally draining. Having prayed and lifted up our hands to God, we may feel like we have lost the energy or faith to continue praying. This is where godly relationships come in; to help carry burdens on our behalf to God, in prayer, until we all see God bring things to pass. 

Sometimes we may be saddled with so many tasks to complete in one day. Those who are willing to take on one task to ease our load a little, will enable us to make it to the end of the day. Lighten another’s load, though it may cost you time or money. Help is an inconvenience that brings relief to another. 

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6).

Let us do good to all and not lose steam, while we do. We may think, “Well, I don’t get so much as a ‘Thank you’.” Scripture tells us that no labor is in vain. The workman will receive according to his or her work. There will be harvest whether in this life or eternity. By doing good, we may not receive gratitude, but as was said earlier, by our Lord “The Father Who sees in secret, will reward you.” Rewards may come in different forms; tangible or spiritual gains. Have you learned by your giving, to be thankful, content, or less closefisted? Good. That’s a value no money can buy. 

As we draw a breath, every day is an opportunity to see a need, and act. We don’t have to wait for big needs. Every little act of kindness, is a treasure set aside for us as a reward in Heaven. We don’t have to be the inventors of good gestures, nor do we have to be concerned about others noticing. Don’t pass up the opportunity for pettiness. We are God-sent helpers to lighten a burden and help win battles.

¹⁷ Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. ¹⁸ Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me (Nehemiah 4).

Role

by Eileen Thugi | Mar 25, 2020 | Blog

CO-AUTHORED WITH LOUIS: MY 18 YEAR OLD SON

What is your role in the family?

1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”. 

Fathers need to provide for their wives, kids and relatives, because by not doing so, they are denying their faith, and are worse than an unbeliever. Roles should motivate us to meet certain goals. Faith is a strong belief in values that shape our character. The head of the household in most cases is the father, and is taxed with the role of being a provider. To execute his duties, the father must make this his priority, as a matter of conviction. He can’t profess to be a believer in God The Father, if he fails to meet his obligation as a father in his own home.  Fathers are accountable to God for how they manage the home.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.  However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband ( Ephesians 5:25-33)”

When a man gets married, he becomes one with his wife, as they form a union (Mark 10). It’s a commandment to maintain this unity. It’s the role of a husband to honor his wife, and the role of the wife, to submit to and respect her husband. This is the only way to keep unity and peace in the family. By so doing, they become better at supporting each other; by looking out for the best interest of the other. 

Each playing their role as best as they can, enables the other to meet the needs of the family. It’s a rewarding stewardship that keeps the family together. None is greater than the other, and none is better; each compliments the other. When husbands and wives are unified by love, prayers are not hindered. God works in unity and not division. Just as God the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit are equal in Power and Purpose . As Scripture says, a house divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25). 

7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3).

I believe that husbands should treat their wives, the way they want their daughter to be treated by the man they will eventually marry. This sets an example for the daughter to see what sort of man she would want to marry in the future: as well for the son, as to the kind of man he wants to be. Be a good example to your children because you are the man of the house; a man of great influence.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12).”

 Teach the children, using godly principles, to respect and honor the parents. It’s important for children to honor their parents by being respectful, and doing what is asked of them—their life depends on it. 

 Mothers comfort your children because that is the role that you are supposed to uphold; for God also comforts us. Mothers are to nurture their children with compassion and love. They connect with children in the emotional way that fathers may not be wired to. They are the shoulder to cry on, when children are fearful, have failed and are filled with uncertainty. A mother nourishes with delicious spread and covers with the warmth of compassion.

12 For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:12-13)”

My roles in life include being a brother, a son, a student, and a Christian.  I hold these roles with very high regard, and try to do really well in my responsibilities. What about you? What’s your role? How would you describe yourself? How do you uphold the roles that you have, in your family? Take the time to reflect on this and how better you can serve your loved ones.