Forgiveness of those who wrong us should never be an easy choice, there being an awareness that justice dutifully imposed should encourage the offender not to repeat their misconduct.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” ~Matthew 5:7
In our rush to levy justice on the guilty we neglect to recall our own malfeasance whether of a greater, or lesser degree encouraging us to be mindful that our own flawed behaviour could place us on the receiving end of justice, were we unlucky enough to be exposed for our improprieties.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” ~Matthew 7:1-2
Our Father knows us very well, sufficiently to ask us to tread gently, when facing those whose behaviour has enraged us sufficiently to want to assume the role of judge, jury, and executioner.
The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes…
~Portia, The Merchant of Venice,
~William Shakespeare
Portia conveys her understanding that mercy is a tender, and noble manifestation of divine intervention springing naturally from ones heart. Mercy is as beautiful as gentle showers that flow in the heavens nourishing the earth.
Mercy blesses those who grant mercy.
Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy
~Micah 7:18
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