Mercy
Can you believe what some people do to children? Can you believe the evil in the heart of humanity? It is somehow easier to consider when it is the other person. However, we are all in need of mercy.
The congregation I pastor and the preschool ministry that is a part of our congregation has a good relationship with the foster family community. We will do everything in our power to create space for families who receive children in crisis in the middle of the night so the parent can go to work in the morning. Sometimes those children are an absolute mess and it can fill my heart with anger when I see the child in pain.
Recently I was getting a bit overwhelmed with rage at what birth parents can subject their child to and what it reflects on the heart of human beings. Then, unexpectedly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of how holy God is and that His holiness is to be my holiness. He reminded me that I need the same mercy that the one who harms children needs.
My heart was renewed with compassion for those who are addicted to substances and whose children are caught in the crossfire of those addictions. My heart was renewed with compassion for those who lack hope, lack peace and lack a meaningful purpose in life. Being reminded of your need for God’s mercy will do that to you.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not excusing harm to children or anyone else for that matter. The innocent need our advocacy and protection. The innocent need to experience generous love and tender care. I am simply saying that it is easy to get distracted by the specks in the eyes of people around us and forget our need for God’s mercy.
I wonder if planks in the eye of a follower of Jesus are simultaneously the fastest growing substance on the planet and the most difficult to spot. The antidote to planks in the eye is an awareness of your need for mercy. You will look at people differently through the lens of mercy. Seeing your need for God’s mercy will open the door to be an extension of God’s grace to others.
Look inside your heart and discover the work that Christ has yet to accomplish. Recognize your need for the mercy of a Holy God who expects you to be holy yet treats you with mercy each day as you strive in the power of the Holy Spirit to move closer to the calling placed before you. Then look around and see the world through the eyes of One who wants to extend His grace to all, regardless of their past or what they are doing right now.
Father, thank you for your daily mercy. Thank you for your daily grace. Make my life an extension of your mercy and grace, loving everyone regardless of how messy their life may be.