“Mercy"

It was not what I expected,

When my Daddy called me in,

Expected to be punished,

For what I’d done back then.

But this time it was different,

This look was in his eye,

When I think about it,

It almost makes me cry.

He didn’t even scold me,

Or tell me just how wrong,

He said some gentle words to me,

‘Bout how I belong,

To him and to the family,

And I could better be,

Why don’t you think about it,

So maybe you can see,

A better way of living,

But that was almost that,

And then a hug he gave me,

Right there where I sat.

I’ve often thought about it,

My Father’s the same way,

I feel His love and mercy,

Every single day.

And I could beat myself up,

‘Bout all the things I’ve done,

But forgiveness is His mission,

For each and every one.

So celebrate the mercy,

And give some grace today,

God knows we all sure need it,

And that is what I pray.

“Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13, NLT)

Have you been surprised by mercy when you know you deserved justice? Most of us have. Wouldn’t it be great if we surprised others by the grace we gave them? Perhaps we could start a new trend of non reactionary behavior. What if we made up our minds to give mercy as freely as the Lord has given it to us? Is that even possible? I say yes, but only if we are empowered by the Spirit. Grace still amazes.

Lord, help us give away what You have freely given, in Jesus name.

Art by Don Dane, dondane.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Don, and God bless.