Thursday, August 13, 2026

Scripture

“You were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy.” Romans 11:30

Reflections

God has an attitude.  His attitude is mercy.

Mercy is to show kindness or concern for someone in need.  When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, there were many in need.  People were falling ill.  Many were dying.  God’s mercy was powerfully manifested.  God showed kindness and concern through healthcare workers, friends, and family members.  People lost their employment.  God showed his kindness and concern through volunteers at food pantries.  People got scared or anxious.  God showed his kindness and concern through listening ears.

The opposite of mercy is wrath.  There are reasons God could be angry and wrathful.  He calls us to follow in his ways and we pursue the ways of sin, death and evil.  We are accountable for our actions.  We have every reason to be apprehensive about judgement day.

But God’s mercy prevails over God’s wrath.  Lest there be any doubt, think of the cross.  When being tortured to death, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Lk. 23:34)  The people were responsible for a horrible injustice against God himself.  They were deserving of wrath.  Instead, the heart of God was revealed in mercy.

We are the ones who need his mercy.  He reveals it on the cross.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being merciful.  As you have shown mercy to me, may I be merciful to others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32