Contemplation #91
When we learn even a little of the mercy of God, we rightfully desire to be wholly compassionate with others. The first people we would have been previously quick to condemn, those with ‘obvious’ sin or wickedness that we find personally foreign and repulsive, become subjects of our tender concern. Sometimes those who were engaged in the very same actions as ourselves received the sharpest criticism, but acceptance of mercy allows us to let mercy triumph over judgment. However, the ones who would have stood with us in our previous way of condemnation, heartily agreeing with us, now become our greatest tests for mercy. Having mercy on the blatant sinner is sometimes easier than being merciful with the unmerciful . . . particularly if we were once as self-righteous.
Contemplation #92
David answered Gad, "I have great anxiety. Please, let us fall into the Lord's hands because His mercies are great, but don't let me fall into human hands." (2 Samuel 24:14)
When David sinned as king, he believed that God would be more merciful than any human being. David knew the compassion of God even on someone undeniably guilty. Recognizing where there is guilt is not too difficult, but knowing how to be like God toward the guilty is immensely challenging. Mercy is not the ignoring of guilt, but a loving and forgiving way of treating all who are mired in sin. By mercy we act to foster their escape from the spiritual shackles that hold them, rather than condemning them for being in prison.
Contemplation #93
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
God is the Father of mercies who pours forth tender compassion and grace. God is also the One who judges and punishes rebelliousness and wickedness. Though we have been instructed to be merciful and not to judge, in our sinfulness we prefer to judge rather than to show mercy . . . often claiming fidelity to God in the process. God has told us to emulate his mercy, and to refrain from assuming to judge. We misperceive reality when being radically merciful is seen as unfaithful to God, and judging is interpreted as careful adherence to His way. According to what God has told us to do, the exact opposite would be true.
When we learn even a little of the mercy of God, we rightfully desire to be wholly compassionate with others. The first people we would have been previously quick to condemn, those with ‘obvious’ sin or wickedness that we find personally foreign and repulsive, become subjects of our tender concern. Sometimes those who were engaged in the very same actions as ourselves received the sharpest criticism, but acceptance of mercy allows us to let mercy triumph over judgment. However, the ones who would have stood with us in our previous way of condemnation, heartily agreeing with us, now become our greatest tests for mercy. Having mercy on the blatant sinner is sometimes easier than being merciful with the unmerciful . . . particularly if we were once as self-righteous.
Contemplation #92
David answered Gad, "I have great anxiety. Please, let us fall into the Lord's hands because His mercies are great, but don't let me fall into human hands." (2 Samuel 24:14)
When David sinned as king, he believed that God would be more merciful than any human being. David knew the compassion of God even on someone undeniably guilty. Recognizing where there is guilt is not too difficult, but knowing how to be like God toward the guilty is immensely challenging. Mercy is not the ignoring of guilt, but a loving and forgiving way of treating all who are mired in sin. By mercy we act to foster their escape from the spiritual shackles that hold them, rather than condemning them for being in prison.
Contemplation #93
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
God is the Father of mercies who pours forth tender compassion and grace. God is also the One who judges and punishes rebelliousness and wickedness. Though we have been instructed to be merciful and not to judge, in our sinfulness we prefer to judge rather than to show mercy . . . often claiming fidelity to God in the process. God has told us to emulate his mercy, and to refrain from assuming to judge. We misperceive reality when being radically merciful is seen as unfaithful to God, and judging is interpreted as careful adherence to His way. According to what God has told us to do, the exact opposite would be true.
posted by Greg at 7:01 AM
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