Mercy Date
Sympathy, empathy, passion, and compassion; these are feelings or emotions we have not only as Christians but as people. People believe, as Christians, we received an extra dose and they will try to use these emotions against us. Having the idea to do such a thing is evil. Entertaining such evil and making plans, even within one's mind, gives residence to the enemy (Proverbs 24:1-3 KJV). As true believers, you have to be aware of such devices (Proverbs 10:23 KJV).
You have taken the time to study the Word and repeat a variety of verses that would serve you in everyday application. That which you desired came about, some didn't, and created an obstacle against what you expected. You learned to do as the Word tells you and examined yourself. In so doing, you saw your spots and /or wrinkles in your armor, garment, mind, and/or spirit and did some crucial housekeeping so that you could be found blameless in that day. That process is pleasing to God. You can sense that (Haggai 1:5-7 KJV). Nevertheless; tests, temptations, and trials still come to prove your faith much like bacon being cured, cheese age, wine ferments, and silver is only pure after dross has been pulled from it. We hope to come out as fine gold. When following Jesus, He tells us that it is easy. We take comfort with this understanding.
Yet we have an enemy that is described metaphorically like a roaring lion and also keeping in mind that the serpent (representing the enemy) in the Garden of Eden was described as being crafty and subtle (Genesis 3:1 AMP). It sounds like two completely different character traits with the same goal in mind steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10 AMP).
It is imperative that when reading this entry there is a clear comprehension. I write because I understand the concept of the title to this as well as why any believer would do such a thing as so not to hurt anyone's feelings. However, if you were to picture the true intention of....let's use a pedophile, your actions would be very different. He/she is the way that he/she is not because it is the innocence of the child that the offender is attracted to. The attraction is the ignorance the child has in not recognizing the true intentions of the heart. The innocence is the end result of what is stolen. In making or accepting a mercy date, you represent the child having your compassion be manipulated so you can ask or accept a date. A mercy date can be like such the perp after a potential victim using the so called character traits of a Christian. Having asked enough questions around co-workers and friends, a woman can entice a Christian man with a frown or sob story making it his burden to turn her frown around. Her purpose is to use such tactics for a date to assist in getting her out of that mood. The date could be as innocent as a cup of coffee and a doughnut, yet it is still a date and quite possibly the beginnings of a spiritual trial. A child with understanding fools the perpetrator and he/she is caught... and so I write.
It is not the responsibility of any Christian (other then a trained Counselor upon request) to create or stimulate a positive reaction with someone who decides not to be. Being our brother's keeper can only go so far. We cannot make someone say the right words, do the right thing, or eat the proper foods to maintain optimum health. The burden is not ours. Jesus already carried it. He has to be their Savior as well. So have a conversation, go to social gatherings, witness to those without but also maintain boundaries for others not to cross.
In witnessing, the Word tells us that we will not necessarily be the one that will win the soul over right at that given moment. Someone might need to break the fallow ground (symbolizing the hard heart). Another will sow the seed (representing introduction to salvation)). Someone else waters the seed (representing administering the Word). Someone else pulls the weeds (representing checking up on the baby Christian to see if all is well). Someone else sees if enough sun has been shining on the sapling (represents the necessity of mentors) for proper growth (1 Corinthians 3:5-10 KJV). A mercy date doesn't represent any of these things. A mercy date is the manipulative maneuvers of the enemy. Recognize the device and stay clear.
If you are not watchful, an initial mercy date can turn into a proposal (Luke 21:36 AMP). Maybe it is what you were hoping for; yet, when the intention is not based from Love, will the outcome fare well (Isaiah 47:10-112 KJV)?
You have taken the time to study the Word and repeat a variety of verses that would serve you in everyday application. That which you desired came about, some didn't, and created an obstacle against what you expected. You learned to do as the Word tells you and examined yourself. In so doing, you saw your spots and /or wrinkles in your armor, garment, mind, and/or spirit and did some crucial housekeeping so that you could be found blameless in that day. That process is pleasing to God. You can sense that (Haggai 1:5-7 KJV). Nevertheless; tests, temptations, and trials still come to prove your faith much like bacon being cured, cheese age, wine ferments, and silver is only pure after dross has been pulled from it. We hope to come out as fine gold. When following Jesus, He tells us that it is easy. We take comfort with this understanding.Yet we have an enemy that is described metaphorically like a roaring lion and also keeping in mind that the serpent (representing the enemy) in the Garden of Eden was described as being crafty and subtle (Genesis 3:1 AMP). It sounds like two completely different character traits with the same goal in mind steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10 AMP).
It is imperative that when reading this entry there is a clear comprehension. I write because I understand the concept of the title to this as well as why any believer would do such a thing as so not to hurt anyone's feelings. However, if you were to picture the true intention of....let's use a pedophile, your actions would be very different. He/she is the way that he/she is not because it is the innocence of the child that the offender is attracted to. The attraction is the ignorance the child has in not recognizing the true intentions of the heart. The innocence is the end result of what is stolen. In making or accepting a mercy date, you represent the child having your compassion be manipulated so you can ask or accept a date. A mercy date can be like such the perp after a potential victim using the so called character traits of a Christian. Having asked enough questions around co-workers and friends, a woman can entice a Christian man with a frown or sob story making it his burden to turn her frown around. Her purpose is to use such tactics for a date to assist in getting her out of that mood. The date could be as innocent as a cup of coffee and a doughnut, yet it is still a date and quite possibly the beginnings of a spiritual trial. A child with understanding fools the perpetrator and he/she is caught... and so I write.It is not the responsibility of any Christian (other then a trained Counselor upon request) to create or stimulate a positive reaction with someone who decides not to be. Being our brother's keeper can only go so far. We cannot make someone say the right words, do the right thing, or eat the proper foods to maintain optimum health. The burden is not ours. Jesus already carried it. He has to be their Savior as well. So have a conversation, go to social gatherings, witness to those without but also maintain boundaries for others not to cross.
In witnessing, the Word tells us that we will not necessarily be the one that will win the soul over right at that given moment. Someone might need to break the fallow ground (symbolizing the hard heart). Another will sow the seed (representing introduction to salvation)). Someone else waters the seed (representing administering the Word). Someone else pulls the weeds (representing checking up on the baby Christian to see if all is well). Someone else sees if enough sun has been shining on the sapling (represents the necessity of mentors) for proper growth (1 Corinthians 3:5-10 KJV). A mercy date doesn't represent any of these things. A mercy date is the manipulative maneuvers of the enemy. Recognize the device and stay clear.If you are not watchful, an initial mercy date can turn into a proposal (Luke 21:36 AMP). Maybe it is what you were hoping for; yet, when the intention is not based from Love, will the outcome fare well (Isaiah 47:10-112 KJV)?
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