Mercy.
This is a quality that people are aware of. This is a quality that people are at least momentarily grateful to be a recipient of. Is it a quality that people are bred to exercise?
Mercy is not a natural quality of human beings. The tendency in reaction to a grievance is towards retribution and revenge. This is why a lot of judicial matters have to be decided by those not involved in the matter and requires evidence. Mercy has glimpses, but is not a natural response. Yet it’s a response we would want extended to us. It’s something we want to see even if it’s not something that we would naturally respond with.
This is why the nature of God being merciful is one of the most profound aspects to consider. For the rebellion, for the sin, for the corruption for the aggravation, for the unfaithfulness, for the duplicity, for the moral pollution it only makes sense to be at odds with His creation at all times. It is only too understandable for Him to oppose His creation and just bide His time until He can wipe them all out.
Yet His response to all that is to extend mercy. Mercy in giving humanity resources to survive. Mercy in granting vistas to beauty in creation. Mercy in allowing people every opportunity to turn back to Him, renounce their rebellion, embrace His righteousness and live out His peace. Mercy through giving people the chance to see what can be experienced through those acts of kindness and to choose whether to recognise Him or continue to reject Him.
Truly I acknowledge I do not deserve such bountiful mercies. I also acknowledge that these are not granted for me to be self-absorbed. These mercies are extended to be received, embraced and then shared with others.
I can be critical and judgemental. I can dismiss and denounce others for the poor choices they make and the views they hold. I can full well behave that way as though there’s no chance for the other anymore. that would be a very easy position to take. Yet it negates the very fact that I was likewise dismissed, denounced, disregarded, criticised and judged. In some cases, rightly so. Yet the mercies of God meant that I could be corrected and given another chance to walk in the way of right. How can I respond to that as though it never happened? How can I disrespect this generous offer?
God have mercy on me. God have mercy on us all.
(Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
This is a beautiful piece Brother Dryden. Indeed, His mercies are renewed every morning. However, we sometimes cannot even extend mercy occasionally. In deed, may the God of heaven forgive our foolish ways.
Yes, Hyacinth. Thank you so much for reading this post and sharing this word.