Do not let mercy and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and people. Proverbs 3:3-4
The words mercy and truth in Hebrew are what is called a unique-to Hebrew word because it is so difficult to translate into English. But most times it describes God’s loving-kindness and is first used in Genesis 19 in relation to Lot. Scripture tells us Lot is a lot of trouble for Abraham and although Scripture calls him a righteous man, we would think he is anything but that. But although he was not faithful to God, God was faithful to him he showed His loving-kindness towards Lot and saved him and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In the New Testament picture of tying mercy and truth on ones neck and writing them on the heart shows the inward acceptance of Jesus’ teachings manifesting on the outside. Living by these characteristics is compared to wearing them like clothes, to have and show these qualities adorns the “wearer.” In other words, when we walk out God’s mercy and truth we are showing others who Jesus truly is and what He can accomplish through those who accept His Salvation. People don’t just want to hear about Jesus, they want to see who He is and if He truly does what He says He will do. Will they know when they watch us go through difficult circumstances and trials? Will there be a difference between how we respond to issues in life rather than react to them.? Will they see His favor in us even when to the world it doesn’t look like it? Only you can answer those questions, so take time to consider them and take them before the Lord and He will lead, guide and direct you to the truth.
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