Tender Mercies

 1 Nephi 1:20

And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him [Lehi]; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

God's tender mercies are the blessings He grants us from His tender, loving heart as our Father. Tender mercies are not earned, they are gifts. Sometimes we don't even ask for them. He gives them simply out of the goodness of His magnificent heart. They are kindnesses He showers blessings upon us because He loves us. Tender mercies are not everyday, run-of-the-mill, ordinary blessings, but are special gifts, added bonuses. 

He grants His tender mercies to those whom He has chosen. And why are certain people chosen? Because they have faith, and they are trying to increase their faith. Again, faithfulness does not earn blessings. But faithfulness opens the door to gifts of the Spirit. God is inclined to bless the faithful because He knows that they know from where those blessings come.

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