Gift of Mercy

 

Mercy, much like grace, is a word I must dive deep into.  In doing so, I continue to grow in understanding of the difference and similarities between grace and mercy.  Where grace is the wonderful gifts that are given to us when we do not deserve them, mercy is what is NOT given to us that we DO deserve.

Reflecting on that for some time made me think of all the instances throughout my life, all the horrible sins I have committed, that deserved God’s wrath.  Those sins, grave in nature, deserved Jesus to turn His back on me, reject me, and most of all stop loving me.  Instead, I have received Jesus’ mercy – his unconditional forgiveness for my sins.  The ONLY way this could occur was with Jesus taking the long road to Golgotha.

As Christians, we know that through simple faith we can receive the wonderful gifts of Jesus, including his mercy.  We know that there is absolutely nothing we can do to receive that mercy, that level of forgiveness.  It is only through our faith and His love that mercy can be found.  My life is made whole and full of rejoicing knowing that his mercy surrounds me every day.

Yet, what about us here on Earth.  What can we do to show our mercy?  There is much written on this subject (Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy).  As I delved into this, there were certain aspects that I believe Jesus taught us when it comes to having mercy, as He shared by living his life.

     ·    Bear wrongs patiently.  To truly live out these words not only means to “turn the other cheek” when you may have been wronged, but to be patient with those who have wronged you.  This is an area of growth for me. 

• Forgive those that have hurt you.  Forgiveness!  To be able to forgive one willingly can take a great deal of time – especially if the hurt is deep.  Yet, the only way for peace in our own lives is to forgive those who have outwardly sinned against us.

Individuals who have hurt us may not “deserve” our mercy, our patience and forgiveness.  Yet, my friend, we are certainly not deserving of Jesus’ mercy on us.  How many times a day do we disappoint Jesus?  How may times a day do we sin outright against His will for us?  We are far from deserving Jesus’ gift of mercy.  Yet, as He walked on this earth and died on the cross, mercy is what he showed us.  May we take His gracious gift of mercy and willingly give that gift to others.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for your gift of mercy.  I deserve your wrath and rejection, yet by simply having faith in you, I receive your mercy – your forgiveness and patience.  May I take the gifts you have richly given to me and give to others.  In your name I pray.  Amen!