PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
Mercy is one of the fundamental principles of the kingdom of God. What is mercy? It is told that one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s soldiers deserted the French army and was sentenced to death. Though the law commanded his execution, the young man’s mother who was desperate because of his imminent punishment, approached the Emperor and begged for her son’s forgiveness. But the cold General, indifferent to the cry of her pleas, vehemently bit out:
«He doesn’t deserve forgiveness!»
«Your Excellency, Emperor,» sobbed the mother, «I pray for his mercy!» «Woman, your son doesn’t deserve mercy!» Napoleon insisted.
«I know, General,» she responded, «If he deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy.»
«If he deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy» was the answer of the anguished mother, inferring that mercy entails forgiving when one does not deserve it. The story says that faced with such a strong argument, the great French military forgave the soldier.
Today’s Bible verse reveals something more profound about God’s merciful character. He not only forgives and has mercy, but He also delights in forgiving and showing mercy. Do you remember what happened while He was hanging on the cross? «Blood flowing from His wounded temples, and sweat tinged with blood standing upon His brow. From His hands and feet, the blood fell, drop by drop, upon the rock drilled for the foot of the cross. The wounds made by the nails gaped as the weight of His body dragged upon His hands. His labored breath grew quick and deep, as His soul panted under the burden of the sins of the world. All heaven was filled with wonder when the prayer of Christ was offered in the midst of His terrible suffering: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ » (The Desire of Ages, ch. 79, p. 760).
Is there someone whom you have not forgiven yet? Having suffered offenses or outrages gives you the opportunity to exercise mercy. Yes, it is true that those who hurt you don’t deserve your forgiveness, but that’s what mercy is all about! Maybe you’re thinking, «How can I forgive him if he even hasn’t asked for forgiveness?» Well, remember Christ. «His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors NO curses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. . .Christ pitied them. . . . He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness» (The Desire of Ages, ch. 78, p. 744).
And He asks the following from us: «Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful» (Luke 6:36).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
