Mensa Otabil - Mercy and Truth (10/02/2025)
Proverbs chapter 3 Verses 3 and 4: Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart, so you will find favor and high esteem in the sight of God.
In addition to the word of God becoming our rule and our command, we are instructed to observe mercy and truth. The word «mercy,» as it is used in this verse, refers to the kind of love we have for people that makes us loyal and faithful to them. So, mercy in this context is not talking about having pity on people, but it speaks of being faithful and loyal to them. It is a statement about loyalty; although the word is «mercy,» the Hebrew word means «loyal» and «faithful.» It is about being good to people because you are committed to them.
Then, the word «truth» refers to being firm or trustworthy. Two things are mentioned here: mercy, which means faithfulness, and truth, which means to be trustworthy. These are two components that God wants us to bind around our neck and write on the tablet of our heart. Why? Because they affect our relationships with people and our relationship with God. Every beneficial relationship we have will require these qualities: that we be loyal and that we be trustworthy.
When people trust us, they commit much to us. The more they trust us, the more opportunity they give us; the less people trust us, the fewer doors we have open. So, if you want God to show you favor, and you want people to show you favor, to be kind and generous to you, then the Bible says that you have to show loyalty, and you have to be trustworthy.
Now, the passage says that when you do this, you find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Not only does God show you favor, but also man shows you favor, and that is a great place to be when God likes you, and people like you. Things are working for you because you are loyal and trustworthy to the people you have relationships with.
So, practically, how do we develop these two attributes of loyalty and trustworthiness? I will give you two suggestions.
Number one: You have to appreciate what people do for you. We must not take kindness shown to us for granted. Many times, people do things for us that may not seem significant, but they are important. We must learn to say thank you and appreciate people. If possible, do something in return so the person knows that what they did for you has been well received. Appreciate what people do for you; don’t take goodness for granted. Don’t take people’s efforts to help you for granted.
Second, if we are going to build loyalty and trustworthiness in our lives, we have to keep our word to people. When we make promises, we must keep them. I know that sometimes it is difficult to keep your word, not because you don’t want to, but because circumstances change for all of us. However, we must endeavor to keep our promises, so that people will trust us when we say something will be done.
When you tell someone, «I’m going to do it,» they should know you will do it. When you tell someone, «I will be there,» they should know you will be there. We have to get to the point where our word is like money; when you give a promise, you honor it. It is reliable, and you become trustworthy and loyal. When you do that, the Bible says you find favor with God and with men. May God make you such a person who has favor with God and with men.
Let’s pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, you are faithful and dependable. Help me to be a faithful and dependable person in all my relationships. In Jesus' name, amen.»
May the Lord help each one of us to be faithful and dependable in our relationships. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.