Mercy
03.26.06 (3:34 pm) [edit]
Mercy
When ever the discussion on mercy comes up, one of the things argued over, is, if some people are beyond any kind of mercy, beyond the pail, a lost cause, and who should simply be let go of, or even killed if they are criminals. This is understandable since justice and mercy are often put in opposition to each other, as if they are mutually exclusive and cannot meet.
Mercy, by its very nature is a gift, something given freely; it cannot be earned. Mercy is shown to loved ones all the time, but the only time it really matters, for the party receiving mercy, is if some understanding of the wrong committed be present. Some level of communication has to be present for both parties to benefit. For the one giving mercy, it frees them from becoming a victim of evil, of becoming filled with the desire for revenge, or perhaps even justice, which may or may not come. To desire revenge, to put up barriers based on anger; is in reality a just another intimate relationship, giving power, wanted or not, to the one who committed the wrong or injustice. The opposite of love is not hate but indifference, so any kind of strong emotional tie, be it with a loved one, or an enemy, is a very intimate, and passionate experience. One is life giving, the other can lead to chaos, and even death.
Strange that most people know this, but it is still a struggle to come to that place where freedom can be had, but not sought after. The giving of mercy can go against the grain, and be difficult, but in the end a great deal of pain and frustration is eliminated, and in some cases the cycle of violence is avoided. Without mercy there is often no other way to circumvent the process that only adds to the already heavy load of pain in the world.
Mercy can be given more easily when there is some understanding of the overall situation, and the deeper that is present, the quicker mercy can be shown to those in need of it, whether accepted or not by the recipient. I suppose mercy is often equated with being soft or easy on the wrong doer. In criminal cases, mercy can be shown to the worst criminals, but they may still have to remain in prison, they being a threat to our society. Responsibility is not taken away, in fact that is a part of mercy, if it is to work for the one receiving it.
There is no revenge in God; the revelation is one of infinite love and compassion. The use of the word “wrath” in the bible is not the same as “human wrath”. Wrath for humans is a state of inner constriction, were the only thought is to get even, to make the other suffer, to punish, or even to destroy. Since God is mercy, no evil can affect his relationship with his children; it is we who change, who are unstable, and who run and refuse to take responsibility, which would allow mercy to flow. We do not need to be saved from God, but from our very selves, hence God’s mercy.
Christ on the cross forgave his enemies. He was falsely accused, betrayed, tortured, and when dying forgive them all. Perhaps that is God’s way of letting us know that no one is outside mercy, it is a gift after all.
posted by: Gil Huhlein Jr. (reply)
post date: 03.26.06 (8:31 pm)
Mercy is a key to the kingdom of God. It is the opposite of the ways of the world. To give mercy is to enter into Jesus Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Jesus had a Passion and it was the Kingdom of God. His 'Passion' led to His Passion.
Those who accept Jesus as their personal savior must also accept...in a very personal way the Kingdom of God!