Mercy: compassion or
forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power
In my head, I interpret it as, not giving someone
something they deserve. In a way it can
be seen as the opposite of Grace which would be giving someone something they
don’t deserve.
I have experienced both recently. In very strong ways, that I can’t forget, and
am powerless to repay. It has given me a new understanding of mercy. The act of mercy bestowed at the right time,
in the right manner can be more effective than any punishment. In my own
experience, mercy can be almost crippling.
For example, I was driving home from CT a few weeks ago. I
had left right after church and in hopes of making it home with as much time as
possible for a nap before heading to work, was probably being a little more lax
on reigning in the speed. In all
honesty, I just wasn’t paying attention to it. So I got caught, of course. The
officer pulled me over and when he told me what he had clocked me at I knew
there was no way I was getting out of it. I deserved the punishment. Within 30
seconds he handed me back my license and registration with a smile and said, “Believe
me, I understand needing a nap before your shift.” For weeks now I think about it every time I
get behind the wheel. I used the term ‘crippling’
before, because knowing what I have been forgiven, I feel guilty to just be
driving let alone speeding. It was obvious what I deserved and I was forgiven
not begrudgingly, but immediately and almost with gentleness even.
Then again today I was reminded of how Mercy has played a
huge roll in a different aspect of my life recently.
I understand that such mercy would not have the same
effect on everyone. The recipient must first feel the responsibility for their
actions to understand the forgiveness for their actions. At the Pool of
Bethesda (house of mercy) where a certain man with infirmity of 38 years was
healed and later told by Jesus, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest
a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14
I want to have a discussion with that man about grace and mercy.
Much Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment