In Others’ Words: Choosing Mercy

My friend Dee is visiting for a few, too-short hours, thanks to an extended layover. Conversation flowed as I drove south from Denver International Airport (DIA) back home … and so it will continue except for the hours we sleep.

One of Dee’s statements reverberates in my heart even now, a couple of hours later:

God is so merciful.

The word “merciful” resounded in my heart like a cymbal — but not a discordant clanging. More of a perfectly timed execution of music that echoed … merciful, merciful, merciful.

I’ve heard the different definitions of God’s grace and mercy. How he gives us what we don’t deserve and doesn’t give us what we do deserve.  That’s a fun sentence to unwrap, isn’t it? But tonight I’m embracing the truth of God’s mercy this way:

God is gentle with me. 

He doesn’t stomp into my life. He doesn’t scream or lash out or throw me around. He doesn’t berate me or ridicule me. He doesn’t pack my bags, open the door, and toss me out on the curb, telling me he’s done putting up with me.

God is mercifully gentle with me.

And tonight that beautiful truth is comforting as if I’ve heard it for the first time.

“For the LORD Your God is a merciful God … ” (Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV)

In Your Words: When have you experienced the gentleness of God? How do you reflect his image to the world and walk the gentle path?

Embracing the Truth of God’s Gentle Mercy Click to Tweet

How Do You Take the Gentle Path? Click to Tweet