Mercy
January 2024
In an often-quoted anecdote, a person having their portrait painted tells the painter, “Make sure it does me justice.” The painter replies, “It’s not justice you need, it’s mercy!” While we can all laugh at this quip, the fundamental idea is sound.
I was asked last week what my main goal in life and work is. My answer was that I attempt to be a conduit of mercy to all those I come in contact with.
The longer I live the more I am aware of my imperfections and their negative consequences on myself and others. Like the person in the anecdote, I may have begun with an unrealistic view of what I needed, or deserved. I have slowly realized that I am continually in need of mercy.
However, here is the important caveat. We need to receive it from two outside sources: God and other people. In my experience, the most important source of mercy is God as seen in His son Jesus. The gospel is called “good news” because God loves us and His nature is full of grace, kindness, and forgiveness. Jesus says several times to those who listen,
“I desire mercy not sacrifice.” Hosea 6:6
How do we make ourselves ready to receive God’s mercy? First, we acknowledge we need it and ask God for it. This approach is likewise true in relationships with others, particularly those who are closest to us in either life or work. When we confess our need for mercy and then receive it, we begin the process of healing. Most of us have people in our lives who have extended us grace and forgiveness when we knew we didn’t deserve it. These pivotal experiences have often changed our lives.
When the dust settles and the rationalization stops, then the awareness of our own faults finally surfaces. We are now able to begin the redemptive journey of embracing God’s mercy. This process transforms our relationships with both God and one another and we enter a more hopeful future. Jesus tells us,
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Chances are that, should we honestly look at our lives, each of us would ask for mercy rather than justice.
Let’s remember these words of Jeremiah:
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord, never ceases
His mercies never come to an end
They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 RSV
Blessings
Tom Cooper