Even we proclaim to show love, how often do we choose to show mercy?
Mercy: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm
It is about living a good loving life not about following laws or rules.
Does it upset you to be called to show mercy? To show love? To show kindness? Are you making the same mistake as the religious leaders of the Bible?
Jesus went to the sinners to start his ministry, not the “church folk”. He didn’t stay within some “clique”, he was open and welcoming to ALL who chose to join him. Are you seeking out those outside of your own group? You cannot fulfill the gossip by staying indoors, staying within your circle. Go to the people who need it, not just your friends or the “right” people.
Will you buy your neighbor some eggs? When your neighbor has acted against your interests and spewed hatred towards you and your loved ones will you reach out and help them?
There is a balance between loving your neighbor, helping them out when they need it, and standing up against bigotry and hatred. It is up to us to rely on God in seeking that balance. We must respond to hate, violence, and anger with love.
It is hard to forgive people. It is hard to show mercy. Especially when we have been deeply hurt by those we are showing mercy to.
The message of the gospel is that we are not perfect, we make mistakes, God loves and forgives us anyway…we must now do the same in return.
We will not win the fight against evil by thinking that love and mercy are weak. We win by believing that love and gentleness are powerful.
Amidst all of the hatred we are surrounded with we must be love, joy, compassion, and kindness. We must focus on love, the love of Christ, and how we show love and mercy even when we don’t want to. Set that boundary of what is wrong but understand we still are called to love and help those who harm us.