“Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:12-13 Living Bible)
REFLECTION
According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, mercy is described as follows:
MER’CY, noun [Latin misericordia.]
“That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.” (Note: I corrected apparent grammatical errors in the original definition.)
In today’s scriptural passage (Colossians 3:12-13), we are urged to practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. I find this relatively easy to do when I’m interacting with humble people, but when I find myself deeply offended by something someone said or did, then my faith is put to the test and I can either pray and practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others or hold a grudge and become bitter. The latter is not the wise way for it leads only to destruction for the one holding the grudge and releases nothing good into the world. Practising tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others doesn’t mean we don’t deal with issues or establish healthy boundaries, it means that we prayerfully confront with care and seek the very best for all involved, without blame or bitterness, mindful that we all need Jesus, who alone is perfect.
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord Jesus ~ You alone can every sin atone. Today I pray to so close to You stay, and interact with others in a kind and caring way, come what may.
