Matt 9:13 …”Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.”….
Google defines mercy as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” On Facebook several weeks ago, I came across this gem: “You will never look into the eyes of someone God does not love….” In my mind, those two are intertwined. Mercy is not only recognizing that the jerk who ticked you off is a loved child of God, but treating that person as God’s beloved, even when you don’t feel like it and the other person doesn’t deserve it. That’s hard.
Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Mercy means showing compassion even when it isn’t fair or just. It means showing God’s love when you’d rather get even. Mercy is a sacrifice—We sacrifice our desire for judgment in favor or God’s desire for compassion and love. Undeserved mercy is what God shows us daily and what He calls us to show others.
James 2:13 …Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder, in a world that places so much emphasis on judgment, that mercy is what we are called to show. Help us to remember, even when our backs are against the wall and we are being treated most unfairly, that You call us to respond with mercy and love. Help us to remember the many daily instances when You show us undeserved mercy, and help us to show others the same compassion. We are all Your beloved children. Help us to act like it. Amen.
Luke 10:36-37 Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Have a blessed day.