Love Mercy

The prophet Micah gave us three “requirements” to please God– to act justly (do justice), love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) I looked at the first of these more closely last time. I want to look at the second requirement today– Love Mercy.

Just like “do justice,” this statement seems simple and self-evident on the surface. We know God is merciful; we know that He delights to show mercy. In fact, throughout Psalm 136, the refrain is repeated, “His Mercy endures forever!” We also know that God is loving and faithful. It is reasonable to assume that God wants us to show mercy to others, and rejoice in His mercy toward us.

But unlike the first “requirement” of “do justice,” this is not primarily an action statement. I believe God is still pleased when we practice mercy, but the “requirement” is that we love mercy. That we embrace mercy; welcome it, and cherish it. And this is not always easy or straightforward.

• I am to love mercy when it is shown to me. I am not to cheapen it by trying to pay it back or “earn” it, or disparage or refuse it. I don’t deserve mercy. It is a gift. I deserve punishment. It’s the same as saying “I love charity.” I love showing charity to others…but am I gracious about receiving it?
• I am to love mercy as I show it to others. I am not to give it grudgingly, or keep a ledger. I am not to “guard” or “mete out” mercy. It is a free gift, and I am to give it lavishly. Smiles, compliments, notes of encouragement, random acts of kindness… These should not be items to check off because I want others to think I am a good person. These should be things I do naturally because I LOVE to spread love– to everyone I meet!
• And I am to love mercy when it is shown to others who don’t “deserve” it. Those who have wronged me and “gotten away with it.” Those who have taken advantage of mercy in the past. Those who have not repented. That is not the same as making excuses or failing to seek justice. But when I harbor vengeance or ask others to “earn” my forgiveness, I do not really love mercy; I only love my ability to lord my self-righteousness over someone who I think is less deserving.

This is difficult. I want to love justice and do mercy; not the other way around. I don’t want to see others experience mercy when I think they’ve done wrong to me. I don’t always want to rejoice with those whose sins have been forgiven. But until I can do all of this, and learn to love mercy, I cannot fully please God. My grudging show of mercy does not earn God’s approval, or highlight any righteousness on my part. My arrogance in deciding who “deserves” mercy does not endear me to my Maker and Judge.

Lord, have mercy on me for begrudging mercy to others. Help me to show mercy freely and joyfully. Help me to love mercy as You do–to rejoice in Your faithfulness, forgiveness, and love.