don’t glean the vines!

“When you gather the grapes in your vineyard, don’t glean the vines after they are picked. Leave the remaining grapes for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. That is why I am giving you this command.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭24:21-22‬ ‭NLT

Empathize & Have Mercy!

The Lord our God kept reminding the people of Israel that they were once slaves and destitute in a foreign land so that they may EMPATHIZE with the foreigners, the poor, the orphans, the widows and anyone who is in distress or trouble! Our MERCIFUL GOD desires that His children be like Him merciful towards others. He wants us to be PROACTIVELY merciful not simply REACTIVELY merciful. It is not ONLY when someone comes our way needing mercy that we are to extend mercy to them. In Deut. 24:21-22, the Lord instructs the Israelites to think ahead when gathering the grapes and act in a specific way keeping in mind the need of others so as to be merciful towards them.

We too who are called to be God’s children are to proactively act in merciful ways towards others. What can you do differently so that your behaviour takes in consideration the NEEDS of others? Simply, empathize with other people around you. Put yourself in the shoes of your family members, colleagues, neighbours, friends, enemies...etc. and realize their needs then act proactively to provide for them. Encourage someone who is anxious, clean up instead of someone who is tired, spend time with the isolated and lonely, ask about those who are forgotten...etc. Get outside of your SELF and look back at your world and make PROVISION for others. Don’t just love yourself, but truly love your neighbour as yourself! Empathize and have mercy on others! Truly blessed are those who have mercy!