Are You Merciful? Psalm 18:25-27With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; with the pure You will show Yourself pure; and with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. For You will save the humble people but will bring down haughty looks.  Nahi was a gorgeous, golden blonde Palomino mare who once was mine. Mares can be very temperamental, and Nahi was no acceptation. The least little thing could set her off into being frightened or even angry. One of her worst habits was when she got a little tired, she would slowly lay down with you on her back, saddle and all. She suddenly would decide she wanted the rider off her back, positioning herself to be set free to do as she pleased. You really had to work with her to get her up and on her feet again. Once in an overly nervous session, (frightened of what I still don’t know to this day), she stepped on her reins, tightening them extremely tight around her neck. My stepfather, trying to help me, as she was quite a large horse out of control, grabbed her reins and loudly and sternly began to give her unfamiliar commands to stand still, etc. It wasn’t working. Nahi continued to lose her ability to breathe fully, and she was going into an even greater panic. She was about to drop to her front knees for lack of air. My stepfather was totally perplexed and angry now, not knowing what to do. Out of desperation, I started walking slowly to her speaking soothing, familiar words and sounds to her. Her ears perked up straight and her breathing became a little slower and more regular. Moving slowly yet calmly, I was able to get to her and loosen the tightened, painful reins from around her neck, as she quieted right down. She sensed the calm and mercy that was being extended to her. As a young teenager, when an adult came at me in an angry, loud tone to try to correct me, I would shut down. I’m the same today. If someone approaches me angrily and with a “I’ll get you told” tone, I’m not going to listen. It’s hard to bear an approach like that for anyone. Why would someone think bullying and belittling is the way to go, or talking down to someone? Our passage talks about being pure and not devious as well. Lying and being deceitful is hard to take for anyone as well. No one wants to be used and mistreated that way. Animals can sense cruel, harsh people, and if we are at all tuned in, we as human beings should be able to discern it as well. The Holy Spirit will give you a check in your spirit to warn you something is off with that person. As the old writer, Hannah Whitehall Smith says, “Mind the checks.” This means when you feel funny about someone, their behavior or demeanor, get away from them. Don’t be dubbed and taken advantage of or mistreated. Always show yourself humble and kind. Don’t ever be haughty thinking you are better than others. Remember how God says He will treat you—exactly as you have treated others. What about you? Can you examine your approach and response to others honestly? If you’ve not practiced being kind and humble, ask your heavenly Father to help you. Forgive those who have mistreated you, showing mercy to them, yet if they continue to do such, get away from them. Have a pleasant and kind day in the Lord.  

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