Read: Lamentations 3:21-23 and Luke 6:20-49
Living daily in a fallen world, we face sinners and we, ourselves, are sinners. None of us are perfect. In these circumstances, we have countless opportunities to choose forgiveness over judgment or retaliation for ways we have been wronged or sinned against by people in our lives. Sometimes we are the ones who disappoint God and other people. Sometimes we are the disappointed. Thank God for his unfailing compassions and for his mercies that "are new every morning." In Lamentations 6:21 Jeremiah wrote, "This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope." Do you recognize your own need for God's mercy today? Do you feel a need to dig deep in your own heart to show mercy to someone else in your life?
Consider ways to show mercy to people you encounter in your life and work. The field of education is permeated with tense moments that arise naturally as a result of people of diverse background experiences and cultures coming together as a learning community as well as the result of the productive struggle involved in learning and change processes. How we act and react in these tense moments can sometimes reflect our need for mercy. Addressing our need for mercy, Jesus said, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful," (Luke 6:36), and "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
Micah wrote, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" With Micah's question in mind, as the school year progresses, how can we inspire hope in students, parents, colleagues, and community members that we encounter?
A smile and cheerful countenance can go a long way. Listening can build rapport. Sharing an idea, resource, or strategy can show that we support someone. Rather than dwelling on the past, we can meet people with a fresh perspective and, figuratively speaking, a clean slate each day, opening up new opportunities for strong communication and supporting positive outcomes.
PRAYER: Thank you, God, for being faithful to us and for allowing us hope in you through our savior, Jesus Christ. Please forgive us for our sins. Please open our eyes to recognize moments in life when we can choose to show mercy to others. We honor you and seek the joy and peace that faith in your son brings to us. We serve you, praise you, and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.
