Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36

Be full of mercy!  I think that is a correct usage.  “Full.”  That is the operative word as I pray over this verse this morning.  I find that I am highly selective about whom I would like to show mercy.  That contradicts the command of Jesus to be merciful to all, just like God, our Father, is full of mercy when he relates to his children like you and me.  He extends his mercy to all who believe!

I am trying to imagine a world in which this is true – being full of mercy toward all.  It would not be anything like our world where it seems all of us are defined by whom our enemies are.

My word for this morning is to be merciful to all, like Jesus is merciful to all.  I am not sure how all that works but I am sure I should be like the Lord, having mercy for all.  Some people rub me the wrong way, we say.  That does not please God.  He asks us to have mercy, not judgement.

Lord Jesus, soften my hard heart in this regard.  Give me love for all whom you love!