Have you ever wanted something, but someone else got it? Have you ever get upset because a less deserving person experienced mercy? Jesus wants us to rejoice with those who receive God's mercy.
None of us deserve mercy. I know that sounds terrible, but it is true. We are all sinners in need of forgiveness. Mercy by its very nature is impossible to deserve. We need it, but we can't earn it. If we earn it, it isn't mercy.
The good news is that Jesus is full of mercy. We see it all throughout his ministry. It can be seen in the account in which he heals a man's shriveled hand from Mark 3:1-6. The man was likely an object of ridicule and scorn among a people who attributed such circumstances to sin. He was unable to worship in the temple, and he lacked wholeness.
His presences gave the Pharisees an excuse to find fault with Jesus, and they seized upon it. They considered Jesus a law breaker. He could heal the rest of the week, but they thought it was wrong to heal on the Sabbath.
Jesus didn't worry about the crowd's response. He focused on the right thing to do. He ended his suffering by healing him. The Sabbath was a day of rest, and now this man could rest from his torment.
Our response to Jesus' mercy reflects our true feeling toward him. If we, like the Pharisees, get upset when Jesus helps someone we don't like, it shows how little trust him. It demonstrates a deep misunderstanding of who Jesus is.
When we despise mercy, we displease Jesus. It would be better to say we anger and distress him. If we have truly experienced mercy, it will make us merciful.
Mercy is like a muscle. It can be developed. We learn it best when we practice it most on "the least deserving." Who is it that you think doesn't deserve mercy? Why not show them mercy today. It might be hard today, but eventually you will learn to love mercy more and more.
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