All posts by mjharvell

Welcome, friend—I’m glad you’ve pulled up a chair on the front porch of my little corner of the internet. My name is Michael Joe Harvell, and I live my life with one simple mission: to glorify God, encourage people, and leave this world a little better than I found it. I’m a husband, father, pastor, writer, Jeep enthusiast, and front-porch thinker who believes that life is best lived on purpose. I serve as pastor of Eureka Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, where I get the joy of preaching, teaching, and walking with people through the ups and downs of everyday life. Over the years, I’ve discovered that faith isn’t just about Sunday mornings—it’s about living every single day in the presence and power of God. I’m also an author. My books—including The Grace Exchange: How Forgiven People Forgive People and The Word Works—grow out of the sermons, stories, and lessons I’ve learned on this journey. I write in a style that’s conversational, a little front-porch-rocking-chair, and full of stories, quotes, and Scripture that point us back to the goodness of God’s Word. When I’m not writing or preaching, you might find me sitting outside with my Bible and journal, cruising the backroads in my Jeep Gladiator, or sharing a meal and some laughs with the good folks God has put in my life. I love helping people find peace in their spirit, strength in their body, and encouragement in their soul. This blog is simply an extension of that mission. Here you’ll find devotions, encouragement, reflections, and practical insights for living a life of purpose, peace, and joy. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a rocking chair, and stay awhile—I’d be honored to walk this road of faith with you.
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Someone Needs Your Mercy More Than Your Judgment Today!

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” -Matthew 5:7 (KJV)

One of the clearest marks of a heart that has been changed by God is a willingness to show mercy to others.

Mercy is choosing compassion when judgment would be easier. It is offering forgiveness when someone does not deserve it. It is extending grace because we remember how much grace God has extended to us.

The truth is, every one of us stands in need of mercy. We have all fallen short. We have all made mistakes. We have all experienced moments when we desperately needed God’s forgiveness and compassion.

Jesus reminds us that those who have received mercy should become people who give mercy.

Perhaps today someone has hurt you, disappointed you, or tested your patience. Your natural response may be to hold on to the offense or demand repayment for the wrong. But mercy chooses a different path. Mercy releases what judgment wants to hold.

Showing mercy does not mean excusing sin or pretending the hurt never happened. It means trusting God enough to place the situation in His hands rather than carrying the burden yourself.

The more we understand God’s mercy toward us, the easier it becomes to show mercy to others.

So today, ask God to help you see people through His eyes. Extend kindness where there is conflict. Offer forgiveness where there is hurt. Show compassion where there is need.

A merciful heart reflects the very character of Christ.

As I’ve often said, “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget the mercy you showed when they needed it most.”

Be encouraged today. The mercy you give is often the mercy God uses to change a life.