Most parents give loving instructions to their children to help them learn good character attributes and the good things that they should do. Despite the many words we may use in these instructions, our own character and what we do as parents is a better teacher. We can demonstrate compassion for those in need, not just tell our kids to be kind. We can show gratefulness for kindnesses shown to us, not just tell our kids to say, “Thank you!”
Matthew 18:32-33 says, “Then his master summoned him and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should you not have mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'” Let us show mercy to one another, just as Jesus and the Father have shown mercy to us. The Father demonstrated His mercy by sending His own Son to die on the cross in order to redeem us from our sins and give us forgiveness. Having received such a powerful gift of mercy and demonstration of the Father’s mercy, how can we withhold mercy from those who may harm us?
Reluctant Retiree 