“the quality of mercy”
“Moved with pity, the master let the official go and wrote off the debt.” —Matthew 18:27
The Lord commands us to forgive indefinitely and to express our forgiveness not just by kindness and patience but by mercy. We don’t just give those who have offended us time to pay us back, but we write off the debt and take the loss ourselves (Mt 18:27). For example, if someone hits your car, God’s way of forgiving may require more than controlling your temper and being understanding. God’s forgiveness may mean paying for the damage yourself. This is mercy, which is the essence of God’s forgiveness.
God expressed His mercy by sending His Son Jesus to atone for all our sins (see 1 Jn 4:10). The cost of mercy is the life, blood, and death of Jesus (see 1 Pt 1:18-19). The Lord expects us to pass on to others the mercy He has given us (Mt 18:33). He lets us share in His mercy by filling up in our own bodies what is lacking in His sufferings (Col 1:24). Thereby we share with Jesus in His sufferings and will share with Him in His glory. “Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs” (Mt 5:7).
Prayer: Father, work the miracle of mercy in me.
Promise: “Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?” —Mt 18:33
Praise: St. Hippolytus commented that Christ “seeks all, and desires to save all, wishing to make all the children of God.”
Reference: (Receive the consolation of the Holy Spirit at our retreat for widows and widowers Sept. 11-13. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)
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