Mistakes!  Everybody makes them.  Some mistakes are the result of a quick response to an event in our life. Other times we put a lot of thought into a decision and still make mistakes.  We also hold onto beliefs that are not true.  Some of our mistakes, wrong beliefs and opinions can drastically chang our lives.  Yet, regardless of the wrong things we do or believe, all of us receive mercy.  Jesus reminded His disciples that God our Father gives mercy even when it is not deserved.  The problem is that many people fail to remember the mercy provided them when dealing with other people. 

In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells the story of a man who owed his king a lot of money.  It was time to pay his large debt back to the king, but he was unable to do so.  He was going to be sold into slavery for his failure to pay his debts.  However, he begged for mercy and as a result, the king canceled all his debt and gave him his freedom.  Later, this same man went to another person who owed him money and asked to be paid immediately.   This man was unable to pay his debt and as a result the man who had earlier been given mercy physically assaulted the man who owed him money and then had him thrown in jail.  How often do we see people who received mercy from God, fail to give mercy to others?

We live in a world of extremes.  It feels like the only views that gain traction in our world are either on the far right or on the far left.  As a result, there is very little forgiveness and mercy expressed toward a person who holds opposite beliefs.  In Luke 6:36, we discover that Mercy is bigger than just forgiving someone who wrongs us.  Based on the surrounding verses, it involves not judging, not condemning, forgiving and giving generously.  Mercy should be a part of our attitude toward others.  That is the attitude that God has toward us and it is the type of kindness that we need to express to others, even to those who do not deserve it!  Never forget the mercy that God has given you as you deal with the people who you encounter in your world.  It will be a blessing for you as you bless others around you!

Ready Luke 6:27-42