Unexpected Mercy

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”Psalm 51:1

Have you been a recipient of mercy? If so, how did it make you feel?

A few years ago I was in a hurry to go somewhere and was waiting at a red light. My eyes were glued to the traffic light. Finally, the light turned green. I eagerly started to drive and drove right into the bumper of the man in front of me. Whoops. The man bolted out of his car with his arms flailing in the air. Mad. Upset. Shocked. Well, who wouldn’t be? He analyzed his car and found two, tiny hexagon shaped indents on his bumper (from my license plate screws). I stood speechless. He looked at me and said, “You need to be more careful, young lady.” “Embarrassed, color rose in my cheeks and I shook my head up and down, unable to speak. Then, he slumped back into his car, flustered­, and drove away.

Mercy.

He could have made my life miserable over two hexagon shaped indents. He had every right to fight for a perfectly smooth bumper. But he had mercy upon me that day.

Later on in that week I pondered mercy and asked myself, “How can I emulate mercy to those who have wronged me?” “They don’t deserve mercy”, you may say. And, you’re right! No one deserves mercy because it is given where judgment is expected. I didn’t deserve mercy that day, but I’m so thankful he gave it to me.

As I celebrated Christ’s resurrection this past weekend, I prayed, “I don’t want to only be thankful for Calvary during the Passover, but I will strive to be thankful for Your mercy and salvation every day.” There is a multitude of God’s mercy, ready to be poured out over every sin, bad judgement, and broken pieces of our life that need mending.

We may grow impatient with people in the grocery store, or at a red light, or even at home, but remember that the person getting under your skin may be dealing with a serious struggle. Let’s strive together to impart the love, mercy, and compassion of God to people. When you do that, all kinds of healing can take place.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being merciful to me every day. When someone wrongs me, help me to forgive and remind me of all you have done for me.