Contemplation #94
Bringing mercy into our relationships is where we must do some of our hardest work. Are we only pleased with our spouse because he or she does right? Can we be only as happy with this closest of persons as she or he acts in pleasing ways? Is this not only self-love . . . and where is mercy?
Like love for our neighbor which comes from who we are in God and is not dependent on the actions or disposition of the neighbor, mercy is compassion on our neighbor. Mercy will treat another with all the tenderness of forgiveness as if this person were the most deserving friend, despite who that person might actually be. Being merciful will infuse life into a struggling relationship, if only we have the humility to be merciful.
Contemplation #95
Mercy is possible only through humility. Pride demands judgment and is unrelenting in insisting that all requirements be met . . . often in the name of righteousness and holiness. Prideful people are hard on themselves and everyone around them, but through humility and lowliness of heart we learn to be gracious and merciful. Let us err, if we must, in mercy rather than judgment . . . for God has promised to judge where necessary. A humble person is exceedingly merciful, knowing how necessary mercy is to his or her own life in God. Until we become fluent in humility, mercy will remain an elusive virtue which seems to go too far.
Contemplation #96
Do we have the faith to be merciful? Faith is our trust in God, and mercy is our choice to do the opposite of condemn. Sometimes we fear that if we do not judge, or if we are too merciful, others will get away with what they should not. Being merciful when we have this inclination to see evil punished takes complete trust in God. When we have faith in God we are able to be merciful, as we have been instructed, and know that God will judge. This is God’s Word to us, and we must believe it, and live according to it. Not only is mercy related to love and humility, it is only as mature as our faith in God. Because God is faithful and holy, we can be merciful to everyone.
Bringing mercy into our relationships is where we must do some of our hardest work. Are we only pleased with our spouse because he or she does right? Can we be only as happy with this closest of persons as she or he acts in pleasing ways? Is this not only self-love . . . and where is mercy?
Like love for our neighbor which comes from who we are in God and is not dependent on the actions or disposition of the neighbor, mercy is compassion on our neighbor. Mercy will treat another with all the tenderness of forgiveness as if this person were the most deserving friend, despite who that person might actually be. Being merciful will infuse life into a struggling relationship, if only we have the humility to be merciful.
Contemplation #95
Mercy is possible only through humility. Pride demands judgment and is unrelenting in insisting that all requirements be met . . . often in the name of righteousness and holiness. Prideful people are hard on themselves and everyone around them, but through humility and lowliness of heart we learn to be gracious and merciful. Let us err, if we must, in mercy rather than judgment . . . for God has promised to judge where necessary. A humble person is exceedingly merciful, knowing how necessary mercy is to his or her own life in God. Until we become fluent in humility, mercy will remain an elusive virtue which seems to go too far.
Contemplation #96
Do we have the faith to be merciful? Faith is our trust in God, and mercy is our choice to do the opposite of condemn. Sometimes we fear that if we do not judge, or if we are too merciful, others will get away with what they should not. Being merciful when we have this inclination to see evil punished takes complete trust in God. When we have faith in God we are able to be merciful, as we have been instructed, and know that God will judge. This is God’s Word to us, and we must believe it, and live according to it. Not only is mercy related to love and humility, it is only as mature as our faith in God. Because God is faithful and holy, we can be merciful to everyone.
posted by Greg at 7:32 AM
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