Pray for Mercy

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May 15, 2025, 7:09:09 AM5/15/25

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PRAY FOR MERCY

2Tim 4:16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

Now here in contrast to the previous prayer for retribution, Paul prays for mercy upon those who abandoned him. Why the difference? Well we notice that Jesus forgave Peter even after Peter publicly denied him, but Jesus did not forgive Judas. Under pressure Christians unintentionally don't always do the right thing. In fact even Paul, prior to his conversion, characterized himself as, "I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man". Yet at the time he felt he was acting in good faith with a clear conscience in the will of God, though he was mistaken. He goes on to say, "I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief." 1Tim 1:13 And let us not forget Jesus prayer on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 Why did he use that qualifier?

There are people who do evil intentionally, knowing what they're doing is evil. Without repentance, there is no mercy available for them, only judgment according to their works. But in the case people act unintentionally or in ignorance, more grace is available for them. And with a little enlightenment to the facts, or perhaps some rebuke, repentance is at hand and thus mercy.

Now consider if you had sinned against someone and if so, repent. But consider also who has sinned against you that you may pray that it not be charged against them on the judgment day.