A Call to Grace and Mercy: The Remedy Against Harm and Indifference (05/07/'24) -Passage

A Call to Grace and Mercy: The Remedy Against Harm and Indifference Matthew 5:7 (NIV): "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." The verse from the Beatitudes underscores the importance of mercy, which aligns well with your sentence. In the Bible, grace and mercy are fundamental virtues that believers are encouraged to practice. "Mercy" means to show compassion or forgiveness to someone whom it is within your power to punish or harm. "Grace," similarly, is undeserved favor and kindness. When individuals act without grace or mercy, they can become driven by selfish interests, pride, and the pursuit of power or control, which can lead to destructive behaviors, causing harm and injustice. On the other hand, showing mercy provides the opportunity for reconciliation, peace, and healing. Living without mercy might result in a world where people are solely driven by their agendas, unable to empathize or forgive others, leading to division and hostility. Conversely, those who remain passive and do nothing, lacking grace and mercy, allow unjust and harmful actions to continue unchallenged. This inaction results in the perpetuation of negativity and suffering. Thus, grace and mercy serve as safeguards against both harmful actions and passive negligence, urging us to act with kindness, forgiveness, and love towards others. Practicing these virtues helps promote a more compassionate and harmonious world. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 7, 2024)