Most of us are much more interested in receiving Mercy than we are in giving Mercy. For example I recently pulled into a parking place in front of someone who was waiting. I didn’t totally realize they were waiting but all the same I felt guilty (and I was guilty). I smiled at them and said “sorry” but I hoped they wouldn’t give me what I deserved- a good lecture on rudeness. There are many better examples; a traffic judge who lets you go to a driving school rather than pay an enormous fine; someone who does not react to your harsh words spoken in haste and without thought or our God who sees our careless neglect of duty and kindness of all sorts and yet extends Mercy because he knows we are on the learning curve. The Mercy the Bible most often mentions is the Mercy or understanding forgiveness that is extended by one who has the power to deliver a penalty. The Bible reminds us “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us nor keep His anger forever—Bless the Lord” Ps. 103. The Mercy of our God is amazing yet He is not an overindulgent Father who turns a blind eye on things that harm His children. We are often much quicker to extend judgment and criticism rather than Mercy. Sometimes we fail in our duty to stand up for what is right because of a misguided desire to extend Mercy when it would be more helpful to extend correction. We don’t want to invite criticism for standing for reinforcing what is right. Don’t confuse Mercy with indulgence. God corrects when necessary but His grace and Mercy is a huge blessings to those of us who struggle to learn.
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