WATCHWORD:
David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” 2 Samuel 24:14
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Meditation:
Mercy
I asked my know-it-all friend what “mercy” meant. He said it was French for Thank you.
I’m sorry to start this meditation with such a lame joke, but “mercy” does not mean thank you, although it is appropriate for “thank you” to follow mercy.
I think we often confuse mercy with Grace. While both are part of God’s character, there is, in truth, a big difference. At its core, mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve, while Grace is a gift we receive, yet, don’t deserve. Does that make sense?
From another perspective, the dictionary defines grace as “courteous goodwill”, meaning it’s not asked for nor deserved, but is freely given. On the other hand, mercy is the “compassion and kindness shown” to someone who is subject to punishment and harm. It is an act meant to relieve someone of their suffering.
Can you imagine what life would be like if mercy were not part of God’s character? If that were the case, I wonder if there would have been a resurrection? God dying for our sins? A rescue when we are in trouble? Would we dwell in this world without direction, without compassion, without forgiveness, without belief, either in ourselves or others? That sounds like the farthest thing from Grace, from a blessed life. Not a world I would want to live in, or could live in. Lord, grant me mercy, for I am a sinner.
I came across this little story to illustrate: Let’s say someone attempted to rob your house. You learn that the robber was just in a desperate situation and didn’t intend to do any harm at all. Instead of calling the police, you chose to pardon the thief and let the matter go — that’s mercy. Then you give him some food and a few dollars to get him through this trying time — that’s grace.
I think we would all agree that in the world we live in, where mistakes are swiftly punished and too often grace is only for the worthy. In such a world as this, Grace and mercy are an absolute necessity. May God continue to shower His Grace and mercy on us. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Humor for the day, provided by a friend of Watchword – “A man had just undergone coronary surgery at Mercy Hospital and was in the recovery room. A Sister of Mercy was at his bedside to reassure him that all went well. “You are going to be fine, Mr. Jones, however we do need to know how you intend to pay for your hospital stay. Do you have insurance coverage?” “No, I don’t,” the groggy man answered.
“Is it possible for you to pay in cash then?” the nun persisted. “No, I’m afraid that’s not possible,” he replied. “Well, do you have any close relatives?” the nun asked. “Only my sister in Texas, but she’s a nun, just a humble spinster ” said the man. “Mr Jones, I must correct you. Nuns are not spinsters for they are married to God,” the nun explained. “Well, in that case, send my bill to my brother-in-law!” he said.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God, I come to you as a sinner who is undeserving of your grace and presence. I repent all my sins and ask you to forgive me so that my request may be heard by you. Lord, have mercy on me and fill me with your grace. Wash me with the blood of your son Jesus Christ that I may shine and walk unashamed. I ask for your favor from this moment to the end of the day. I thank you, for you are faithful. Amen.
