Listen

But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:11-13

Think

Jesus wants mercy, and he’s quite clear about it. To want something implies one is not satisfied with the current condition. In other words, there’s not enough mercy going around, and Jesus wants more of it.

Mercy, however, isn’t our top choice. Think about what happens at your school (or even at home) whenever there is conflict. Rarely does someone raise her hand to say, “I choose to show mercy!” Yeah, right. “I choose to be right and first no matter the pain inflicted” is more like it.

Oftentimes choosing mercy involves prioritizing the need of the greater good, the interest of others before the interest of self. This doesn’t mean to devalue oneself. But it does mean we consider the impact of mercy over unrelenting self-righteousness. In a world in which we fight forcibly to be on the right side of the conflict, pausing to consider a different way is mature and wise. Mercy is a different way. Why not try this different way today?

Aram Feinberg

Question to Ponder:

What’s so difficult about mercy — showing mercy, receiving mercy, and nurturing a culture of mercy?

Pray

God of mercy, I confess that I do not choose mercy as often as I need to.

Inspire me to choose the way of mercy…

To address the hurts, to forgive, and to walk in the ways of mercy, a little bit more today than yesterday.

Amen.

Go

May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.

May the Spirit of Love lead you along the path of wisdom and truth.

And all of God’s people say — Amen.