Mercy

There is a certain black and white aspect of good and evil that all people are drawn to, especially people around the age of 7. Seven is called the age of reason. It is when children know right from wrong. This is when kids really get into the rules: this is wrong, that is right, “I am telling the teacher!”

As a parent, I am entering into that age. My world has shades of gray. My daughter’s does not.

Unfortunately, there are many adults in this world who view things as black and white. Stealing is wrong. Lying is wrong. Cheating is wrong. Killing is wrong. And what is right? Honesty. Caring. Compassion.

Where does Mercy fit into this equation? If we are merciful, than aren’t we rewarding wrongdoers? Yet, Christians are asked to be merciful.* My favorite Bible verse applies to Jews and to Christians. Micah 6:8 (New International Version) “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

To be good is to be merciful in justice. Someone who steals a loaf of bread because they are starving should not be thrown into jail. This is common sense. An unjust law should be broken. Rosa Parks deserves her heroine status.

I am not perfect. Every day I make mistakes. Mistakes that tattle tellers would gladly point out to an authority. Mistakes that they wish to see me punished for. Yet I hope for mercy. As does everyone I know. Which brings us right back to the Golden Rule.

I will continue to strive for mercy towards those that do not deserve it, even if they do cut me off and give me the finger.

* Luke 10:37 (New Living Translation) The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”