The Gift of Mercy
“Let’s not judge each other or let our words bite. Let’s keep each other’s names safe and give the gift of mercy.”
~ Sharon Eubank
I’ve lived a lot of years and admit I’ve not always been as quick to give the gift of mercy as I could have been.
If I could go back in time and change some of my feelings, attitudes, actions, and words, I would in a heartbeat. Because that’s not possible, what I can do is look back and learn from the past. And boldly go forward.
Years ago, while sitting around the dinner table, I gave this explanation to my young children:
If your entire classroom had an ice cream party and the flavor choices were chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, not everyone would pick the same flavor. Some would pick chocolate, while others would pick vanilla or strawberry, or a combination. We’re all different and we like different things. That doesn’t make us right and others wrong. It makes the world interesting, fun, and gives all the opportunities to learn other points of view.
Our nation, and the world, seem to be in turmoil in several places over an abundance of different points of view.
I pray with all my heart that we can learn to accept differences, be kind with our words, show mutual respect, keep each other’s names safe, and be willing to give the gift of mercy.
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