Mercy

What is mercy? Is it merely the act of not receiving what you deserve? Is it just being forgiven? Do we ever stop and really consider what mercy is and how we can apply it in our lives? Sometimes it feels like mercy is just another one of those "christian" words that we hear so often and we're told to show that in our lives and so we just obligingly follow along.

I wonder how Jesus thinks whenever he sees us trying to "show mercy in our lives". What does it really mean anyway? I guess the best way is to look at Jesus' own teachings and see the example of mercy.

Matthew 18 tells of a parable where a servant accepted the mercy from his master, but his response to his own servant was not too merciful himself. I wonder myself if this guy really understood mercy or even accepted mercy at all? Mercy isn't just running off without having to suffer the consequences. Mercy isn't just about forgiveness. Rather, accepting mercy involves subsequent action in being merciful to others. And that entails a whole change of attitude ina world of "you get what you deserve". It's a way to live a radical life for Jesus ina world that begs for judgement and justice. Mercy requires a change of heart to become one just like Jesus'.

With that in mind, are we really ready to accept the mercy of God for all of our sins? If so, we must be ready to forgive and be merciful to others for their shortcomings, just as Christ did for us.