Mercy

We know how to give good gifts to others. Furthermore, we understand how to give gifts that meet needs in others. If we are able, we don’t withhold some good gift that is needed by someone else, especially our children.

The daily news is full of stories of people in need. In addition, we often meet people with specific needs that we have the means to provide for. Yet we pass by these people, thinking someone else will help them.

A lawyer once asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered by saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” But trying to justify himself asked, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus then told the story of the Good Samaritan. A man was traveling when he was beaten and robbed, eventually left on the road as though dead. A religious man and an official passed by the man without providing help. Then a certain man, whom the society looked down upon, came upon the man and tended to his needs. Jesus asked, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The lawyer responded, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone who is in need. Mercy is often needed but rarely given. We harshly judge others and condemn them. God, on the other hand, is rich in mercy. His mercy is infinite. He offers His mercy freely, even to us who have previously rejected Him. God is eager to give His mercy to us. He delights in forgiving us and showing compassion toward those of us in desperate need of mercy. All we have to do is acknowledge our needs and receive these gifts, trusting in God’s mercy. It is time to love God with all our hearts, souls, strength, and minds.