Mercy

“When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5

Reading this morning’s passage, written from Paul to Titus, I am struck by God’s mercy. Mercy is choosing to not exercise power over someone. Mercy is relenting. Mercy is undeserved reprieve.

Yesterday I wrote that I’ve had about enough of this pandemic. I needed mercy. For me, mercy showed up yesterday in the form of time spent with the cohort with whom I’ll be spending the next three years in a Doctor of Ministry program through Candler School of Theology (one of you has asked for a post describing this program more fully, which I’ll write later this week). It was a blessing to get to know these gifted ministers from around the country through worship and conversation. All on Zoom, of course! It is grace to find new ways to be in community.

The pandemic is still here. So, for that matter, are the forces of sin and death and their various tools, like racism, rampant wealth inequality, and a disregard for our planet’s future. Yesterday’s mercy does not make today’s problems go away. It does, however, give us strength to rise again and face these challenges.

God’s mercy is centered in and gifted through Christ, crucified and raised for the sake of sinners. God did not choose to exercise power over you for the sake of punishment. The power of God is love, given freely to you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I pray you have a sense of God’s mercy today, and that you find moments of reprieve, rest, and restoration.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Most merciful God, we confess our need for you. Our lives cry out for restoration. Turn us again to you, O Lord, that we may know and share your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: A bird just chilling on one of our bird feeders the other day, modeling rest for the rest of us.