Monthly Archives: September 2013

Made Pure Again Once while Jesus was teaching, some people brought little children to Him to receive a blessing.  The disciples rebuked them.  After all, the Savior was much too busy for children!  Then Jesus rebuked the disciples.  He said, … Continue reading →

We Can Make a Difference There is an obvious “if-then” aspect to Jesus’ mercy Beatitude.  It is hard to miss this lesson in the parable of the two servants.  The flow of mercy into my life is connected to it flow … Continue reading →

But I Need Definition! It is one thing to say we should not quantify and qualify mercy, but much harder to avoid the practice.  After all, everything needs definition or structure, and mercy is no different.   How else do we know … Continue reading →

Mercy or Sacrifice?  In many ways, we have a fortunate perspective when it comes to Jesus’ teaching on mercy.  Unlike those who followed Him throughout His ministry, we have almost two thousand years of reflection on the cross.  We possess … Continue reading →

It is possible to keep the Law and miss mercy.  This was God’s message through Hosea and the principle Jesus attempted to apply throughout His ministry.  There was nothing wrong with the Law, but it could not offer grace.  It … Continue reading →

Mercy and the Law  Our perception of mercy changes when we see it in relation to an official moral code.  There are, of course, unofficial codes or social mores.  For example, the notion of a “mercy killing” suggests we are … Continue reading →

From Friday: “But there’s more.  I draw on this event when someone younger than I am makes a mistake that creates a problem in my life.  I would be lying if I said I am always forgiving and gracious.  Yet, I … Continue reading →

How do we define mercy, and do our motives for sharing it matter?  Technically, mercy is an expression of kindness or grace to those who deserve otherwise.  Years ago I braked on a wet road and slid into a car … Continue reading →

Have Mercy  Jesus once told a parable about two servants.  The first servant owed a king the enormous sum of 10,000 talents, which translates into billions of dollars today.  It is inconceivable anyone could repay this kind of debt, let … Continue reading →

Of course, when it comes to good spiritual nutrition we are still left to determine what constitutes “Jesus food.”  This discernment takes work, which is why we can only succeed when we take responsibility for our diet.  We will flourish … Continue reading →