Sweet Kiss of Mercy

“If you cover up your sin you’ll never do well.
But if you confess your sins and forsake them,
You will be kissed by mercy.”  
(Proverbs 28:13 TPT)

That Proverb is the Passion Translation has jumped out at me.  I can’t help but think about the Princess that is magically awakened from a deep sleep by the kiss of the Prince. (Sorry guys).Think of the magnitude of the power of that kiss of true love to awaken life once again!

We all need mercy’s kiss. When we feel lost or numb to God’s presence, and want to feel the heartbeat of God, and it just doesn’t feel near.  When we need an answer to a big decision because we just don’t want to mess up again.  When we feel undeserving of unconditional love and can’t seem to grasp its embrace. 

When we find it too difficult to forgive an offense, and justice is screaming for a voice, it’s the kiss of mercy that will triumph over judgment.   When we receive mercy, we are then able to give it away as a gift.  When you love, you simply can’t lose.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.  Mercy is powerful.  Colossians 3 reminds us to wake up every morning and clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy.  

This proverb gives us the roadmap to experiencing the kiss of mercy.  Please don’t go searching for sin in your life with sackcloth and ashes, but do humble yourself.  Open your heart to the Lord and confess your desire for purity and holiness, a consecrated life that hates sin and loves mercy and grace.  Confess your sins and turn the opposite direction – forsake even the thought of doing wrong!  Refuse to hold resentment, refuse to slander or gossip, and live a life saturated in liquid love, the kind of love that only Jesus can give us.  

Then be still and receive the kiss.  May mercy fall on you – sweet mercy from the Lord Jesus because He took the punishment for you…sweet mercy with the fruit of gentleness, kindness, self-control and patience.  Just like the princess who was suddenly awakened by the magic kiss…that kiss of mercy will awaken hope and intimacy with God.  That’s the life where dreams come true!