Pentecost Week Two - Luke 6:28-36

Seeing the Radical Love of Jesus Through Fresh Eyes

This week is exciting for me because we get to examine how people treated one another in antiquity and just how radical Jesus’ teaching truly was.

It’s easy to miss the shock factor now—after all, for 2,000 years, we’ve lived in a world shaped by His words. But when Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27), He wasn’t just teaching kindness. He was rewriting the script of human relationships.

In Jesus’ time, love wasn’t extended to enemies. The norm was retribution, honor for honor, insult for insult. Yet here comes Jesus, flipping the natural order on its head—not asking for passive tolerance, but calling for active, self-giving love. Imagine how radical, even offensive, that must have sounded.

And yet, it’s this teaching—this one small, transformative idea—that changed the world. Jesus' followers embraced it, and over centuries, His ethic of love reshaped how communities, families, and even nations treated one another.

This week, we get to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear this revolutionary call to love again. I'm frankly quite excited for this week.  If you look at Luke you will see I jumped over that version of the Beatitudes.  I did a series on that last year in church and if you are interested I will research the date and point you to the videos.

Oh - and the following week I will be away.  Not sure yet if I will write one big blog before I head out of town or not.    (probably yes....)

Monday: Loving the Unlovable
NT Scripture: Luke 6:27
OT Scripture: Exodus 23:4-5

Ok - so most of you know I am a former Marine - that means I spoke two languages - English and Cursing.  Now I was lucky.  Halfway through my career I realized that one single word (you know which one I mean) did not need to be a noun, verb, adjective, preposition, past-participle or even an  interrogative.  For me cursing was a sign of poor vocabulary and a sloping frontal lobe.  I still see it that way.  However, in antiquity - cursing actually had a purpose - and not a good one.  (I told you this week will be fun!)

Historical Context
In the ancient world, curses were not just insults—they were tools of power. To curse someone was to call divine or supernatural forces against them, often as an act of vengeance or justice. Public honor was everything, and curses were common in disputes, rivalries, or even wars. For example: (I found this fascinating...)

• The Roman World: Romans used curse tablets—small pieces of lead inscribed with words asking the gods to harm enemies. These were buried in graves or thrown into sacred springs, symbolizing the curse reaching the spiritual realm.
• The Jewish Tradition: While curses were condemned in Jewish law (Exodus 22:28), they were still culturally understood as a way to call down God’s judgment on wrongdoers. Even in the Psalms, we see cries for God to “curse” the wicked (Psalm 109:6-19).

Now we need to consider the context and times of Jesus. In this context, Jesus’ words were revolutionary. Responding to a curse with a blessing wasn’t just countercultural—it was disarming. To bless someone who curses you was to refuse participation in the cycle of hate and vengeance. - I can imagine it was a times even comical!

But there was a bigger reason - It was choosing to reflect God’s mercy rather than human retaliation.

Jesus'  teaching wasn’t theoretical. 
The early Church lived it—and it changed the world. During Roman persecutions, Christians were often slandered, imprisoned, and even martyred. Yet they prayed for their persecutors, often blessing those who cursed them.

• One famous example is Stephen, the first martyr. As his enemies stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). His response mirrored Jesus on the cross, who also prayed for His executioners.
• Another example comes from Polycarp, an early Church leader. When he was arrested and sentenced to death, he prayed for the very soldiers who carried out his execution, blessing them even as they lit the flames.

These acts of love in the face of hate didn’t just shock their enemies—it planted seeds of transformation. Many persecutors became Christians after seeing this radical love in action.

Even in the Old Testament, Job sets an example of refusing to curse his enemies. He states that he never rejoiced in their misfortune or allowed his lips to invoke harm on them. Job understood that righteousness isn’t just about outward actions—it’s about the posture of the heart. Jesus takes this deeper, showing us that the ultimate expression of love is not just withholding curses but actively speaking blessing and praying for those who mistreat us.

I remember one time when I casually mentioned that I never used that certain word.  My fellow Marines taunted me and said - of course you do.  I simply asked them to recall a time they had ever heard me use it.  Their eyes got wide as they pondered back and then they said "You're @#&% right!"  It was a small victory.  I'll take it.

Reflection for Today
Let’s be honest: this teaching feels impossible. How do we bless the coworker who spreads lies about us, the family member who constantly criticizes, or the stranger online who insults us? If you are on Facebook - how do you do it?  I had to get off of it.  I now only log in from time to time when I see a message to me.

Why - Because, our first instinct is often to fight back, to defend ourselves, or at least to wish them ill in return. That is not Christian like - but we can be anonymous can't we.  But we are not anonymous to God!

Jesus shows us a new way. Blessing those who curse us is not about passivity—it’s about transformation. When we refuse to curse back, we’re breaking the cycle of hate. And when we pray for those who mistreat us, we invite God into the situation, trusting Him to bring justice, healing, and peace.

Think about this: the early Church didn’t grow because of its power or wealth. It grew because people saw how radically different Christians were—how they loved their enemies, forgave their persecutors, and blessed those who cursed them. That same love can change the world today, starting with us. We can do this - even one at a time! Embrace the change!

Reflection Question:
Lets do some hard work today - Who is one person in your life who has hurt you or spoken against you?

How can you pray for them and speak God’s blessing over them this week?

Tuesday: Blessing Those Who Curse You 
NT Scripture: Luke 6:28
OT Scripture: Job 31:29-30

Oops, We Got Ahead of Ourselves!

Well, friends, sometimes even the best-laid plans take a little detour. Yesterday, I got so excited to tell you I was a reformed “profanite” (no – it’s not a word) that I jumped ahead to today’s scripture on of blessing those who curse you. And while it was a great reflection (if I do say so myself), it seems we may have jumped the gun a little. That theme was actually meant for today.

But hey, life is messy, and so is faith sometimes, right? So, with a smile and a little divine grace, we're flipping the script. Today, we’ll focus on Loving the Unlovable, the theme that was intended for Monday.

Think of it as a chance to double down on love this week—because the world can always use more of it.

Historical Context: A World of Divisions
In the ancient world, relationships were defined by loyalty to your own tribe, family, or nation. Outsiders were often viewed with suspicion, and even within families, divisions and rivalries could create deep rifts.

Jacob and Esau weren’t just brothers—they were twins. Yet even in the womb, their relationship was marked by struggle (Genesis 25:22). That struggle continued into adulthood, with Jacob tricking Esau out of both his birthright and his father’s blessing (Genesis 27). Esau’s anger was so great that Jacob fled for his life, and the two lived estranged for years.

Their story reminds us that even the closest relationships—those of siblings, friends, or spouses—can be fractured by betrayal or misunderstanding. But it also shows us the healing power of love, grace, and humility.

Another example of family division comes from Joseph and his brothers. Driven by jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and lied to their father about his death (Genesis 37). Years later, when Joseph was in a position of power in Egypt, he had every reason to retaliate. Yet he chose to forgive, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). His love and mercy not only reconciled his family but preserved their future during a time of famine.

Cultural Divisions: Beyond families, cultural boundaries also created deep divides. Samaritans and Jews avoided one another despite their shared ancestry, and Romans viewed non-Romans as inferior. In this fractured world, Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” (Luke 6:27) wasn’t just countercultural—it was revolutionary.

Jesus’ Love Across Boundaries
Jesus didn’t just teach about loving the unlovable—He modeled it. His ministry was filled with interactions that crossed cultural, social, and moral boundaries.

The Samaritan Woman (John 4): Jews and Samaritans despised each other, yet Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well—a double scandal in His time. Not only did He treat her with dignity, but He revealed profound truths about God’s kingdom, demonstrating that no one is beyond God’s love.

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19): Tax collectors like Zacchaeus were seen as traitors who exploited their own people for Roman profit. Yet Jesus chose to dine with Zacchaeus, an act of love and acceptance that led to Zacchaeus’ repentance and transformation.

Healing the Roman Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8): Romans were the oppressors, and centurions symbolized that power. Yet Jesus didn’t hesitate to heal the servant of a Roman officer, showing that God’s love transcends even political and military divisions.

Jesus built on this foundation, teaching that love isn’t just about refraining from harm but about actively seeking the good of others—even those who have wronged us. Loving the unlovable reflects God’s heart, a heart that desires reconciliation and redemption.

But it’s hard – isn’t it.  We carry grudges for so long we sometimes forget why we were mad – but no way Jose are you reconciling.  It must have been really bad way back then. And I'm just talking about my wife's side of the family!  Just Kidding!

Reflection for Today
Our natural instinct is often to protect ourselves—or retaliate. But Jesus calls us to something greater. Loving the unlovable isn’t about approving bad behavior or forgetting harm. It’s about reflecting God’s love, even when it feels undeserved.

When we love the unlovable:

• We reflect God’s grace: God loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), and we’re called to mirror that grace.
• We break down barriers: Love has the power to heal divisions and build bridges.
• We plant seeds of transformation: Acts of love can spark change in others—and in ourselves—in ways we may never see.

Reflection Question:
Who in your life feels hardest to love right now? How can you reflect God’s love to them this week?

Think of someone you struggle to love—a family member, a friend, or even an enemy.
Do one act of kindness for them this week, whether it’s a word of encouragement, a thoughtful gesture, or a prayer.

Trust that God can use your love to bring healing and hope.

Wednesday: Turning the Other Cheek
NT Scripture: Luke 6:29-30
OT Scripture: Proverbs 25:21-22

Yesterday, we explored the challenge of loving the unlovable. Today, Jesus takes that love even further with one of His most countercultural teachings: turn the other cheek.

At first glance, this command feels almost impossible. When someone hurts us, our instincts scream for self-defense or retaliation. But Jesus calls us to a higher path—a path that refuses to escalate violence and instead responds with dignity, grace, and love.

Let me make one aside at this point, Luke is not the typical Gospel writer. He writes a lot about the subversiveness of Jesus ministry.  He shows how countercultural Jesus was in His time.

When we think of turning the other cheek Jesus is not saying take another one for the team.  He is in fact telling you to stand toe to toe with that adversary. It’s not about submission for Luke but how Jesus wants us to stand our grand – but without resorting to violence!

The Cultural Context: A Backhanded Insult
In Jesus’ time, the way someone was struck reflected more than just physical violence—it carried a social message. A slap with the back of the hand wasn’t just meant to hurt; it was a deliberate insult, a way to humiliate someone and assert dominance over them.

• A backhanded slap was typically used by a superior against an inferior—masters to slaves, Romans to Jews, or anyone trying to put another person “in their place.” It was less about physical harm and more about social degradation.
• By contrast, an open-handed slap or a punch was seen as an interaction between equals.

When Jesus says, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also,” He’s referring to this cultural practice. If someone slapped you on the right cheek (with the back of their right hand), turning the other cheek would force them to strike you again, but this time with an open hand.

In doing this, you would refuse to accept their insult or inferior treatment. You wouldn’t retaliate, but you also wouldn’t submit to being humiliated. Instead, you would assert your dignity in a way that exposed the injustice and challenged the aggressor’s behavior—all without resorting to violence.

But Jesus shows us several more examples of how to respond.

• In the Garden of Gethsemane: When Judas betrayed Him with a kiss, Jesus didn’t respond with anger. Instead, He still addressed Judas as “friend” (Matthew 26:50).
• Before the Sanhedrin: When struck during His trial, Jesus didn’t retaliate but calmly questioned the injustice (John 18:22-23).
• On the Cross: As He hung on the cross, Jesus prayed for His enemies, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus modeled what it means to turn the other cheek. He absorbed the worst humanity had to offer and responded with love, forgiveness, and mercy. But he NEVER denied His sovereignty as the Son of God.

What Does It Mean for Us?
Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean letting others walk all over us or tolerating abuse. Instead, it’s about refusing to let hate or injustice define us. I used to have a friend that would taunt me by saying, "Me, Me, Me - it's all about Me".  "You, you, you - It's all about me!"
Jesus is talking about us!  How to process vitriol aimed at us!

It’s about responding in a way that reflects God’s love and challenges the cycle of hostility.

When we choose this path:

• We disarm hostility: By responding with grace, we defuse conflict and open the door to reconciliation.
• We reflect God’s character: God loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), and we’re called to mirror that grace to others.
• We witness to the Gospel: Acts of forgiveness and mercy testify to the transformative power of God’s kingdom.

Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to “turn the other cheek”?
Is there someone who has hurt you—someone you’re tempted to retaliate against or avoid? What would it look like to respond with grace, generosity, or forgiveness instead?

Turning the other cheek isn’t easy. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can break the cycle of hostility and reflect God’s love in ways that transform hearts and heal relationships.

Thursday: The Golden Rule
NT Scripture: Luke 6:31
OT Scripture: Leviticus 19:18

Yesterday, we explored the idea of turning the other cheek—not as an act of submission, but as a bold and nonviolent way to stand for justice and dignity. Now we get to dig in even deeper.  See how Jesus builds on this progression?

Today, we move deeper into Jesus’ teachings with what has come to be called The Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Most of us were taught some version of this rule as children—"Treat others the way you want to be treated." But in the context of Jesus’ ministry, this wasn’t just a nice saying or a moral guideline. It was a revolutionary principle that redefined relationships and challenged social norms of the time.

Remember on day one I talked about how it was a tribal world…  a world where people often operated out of selfishness, revenge, or family loyalty.

Historical Context
The Golden Rule is deeply connected to the Old Testament command found in Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Both reflect God’s desire for us to live in harmony with one another, not through selfish ambition or grudges, but through love and mutual care.

But Jesus takes it even further. For many in His audience, “neighbor” was understood to mean people within their own community—fellow Jews, family members, or friends. Jesus expands this definition to include everyone, even enemies.
This isn’t just about being good to those who are good to you; it’s about extending love even to those who challenge or hurt you.

The Golden Rule is “golden” because it flips the focus from what we deserve to what we can give. It invites us to shift our perspective:

• Instead of asking, “How can I benefit?” we ask, “How can I bless others?”
• Instead of reacting to others’ treatment of us, we proactively choose to treat them with kindness, respect, and generosity—regardless of how they act.

This principle also requires active imagination. It’s not just about refraining from harm, but about envisioning what love looks like in every interaction. It challenges us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and ask, “What would I want or need if I were in their situation?”

Jesus’ words invited His followers to imagine a completely different way of living—one rooted in empathy, compassion, and sacrificial love. Most people could not even imagine what that looked like. So, it had to be modeled.  Sound familiar?
Jesus didn’t just teach the Golden Rule—He lived it.

His entire ministry was marked by compassion, empathy, and sacrificial love:

• Healing the Sick: Jesus didn’t just perform miracles; He touched lepers, spoke with outcasts, and restored dignity to those society had rejected.
• Feeding the Hungry: When faced with thousands of hungry people, Jesus didn’t turn them away or ask what they could offer in return. He fed them (Matthew 14:13-21).
• Dying for Our Sins: On the cross, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love, giving His life for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

At every turn, Jesus treated others not as they deserved, but as they needed. He invites us to do the same.When we live this way:

• We create a ripple effect of kindness: Acts of love and generosity inspire others to do the same.
• We break down barriers: Treating others with dignity and respect builds bridges across divisions.
• We reflect God’s kingdom: Living by the Golden Rule shows the world what the love of Christ looks like in action.

Reflection Question:
The Golden Rule isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way of life that reflects the heart of God. As we live by this principle, may we become a shining example of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
How well do you already live to the Golden Rule?  Who are your exemptions…. Really – who do you cold shoulder?  

Friday: Loving Without Expectation
NT Scripture: Luke 6:32-34
OT Scripture: Micah 6:8

Remember your first love?  “And they called it puppy luh -uh -uh -ove.” We all know how easy it is to love people who love us back. It feels natural, even effortless, when kindness is reciprocated and relationships feel balanced.

But what happens when there’s no guarantee of a return? What if love becomes a one-way street? No – we don’t become stalkers! But, it is our lesson for today.

This is where Jesus pushes us out of our comfort zones. He doesn’t just ask us to love those who are easy to love—He calls us to love without expecting anything in return. It’s more than a command; it’s an opportunity to live out God’s radical, selfless love in a world that desperately needs it.

Hasn’t each day this week gotten harder and harder!

Historical Context
Let’s visit Jesus’ time for a second. BTW that is what social anthropologist would call understanding the Social Context of early antiquity.

Back then, relationships weren’t just personal—they were transactional. Everything operated on a system of reciprocity. If someone did something nice for you, there was an unspoken (and sometimes very spoken) expectation that you’d return the favor. Family came first, then tribe or community, and maybe—just maybe—an outsider if it benefited you somehow. But enemies? You didn’t love them—you defeated them.

Now imagine Jesus standing in front of this crowd, flipping their entire worldview on its head. He says, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32). He’s not just asking them to go the extra mile; He’s asking them to break the cycle entirely. Love your enemies. Be kind to people who can’t—or won’t—pay you back.

It’s the kind of teaching that makes you stop and think, “Wait, is He serious?” The Pastor was right, being a Christian is hard!

But Jesus didn’t just talk about this kind of love; He lived it. His life is packed with moments that show us what this selfless, unreciprocated love actually looks like.

How about the time Jesus washed His disciples’ feet? He knows Judas is about to betray Him, Peter is about to deny Him, and the others will scatter in fear. And yet, Jesus kneels down, takes their dirty, calloused feet in His hands, and washes them. It’s not about who deserves it; it’s about demonstrating love in its purest form.

And then there’s the cross—the ultimate example. While we were still sinners, with nothing to offer Him, Jesus gave His life for us. He didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up or prove our worth. He loved us first, without condition, without expectation.

How do we emulate this?
Let’s start with something simple. Think about someone in your life who might need this kind of love. Maybe it’s a coworker who always seems grumpy, or a family member who’s hard to get along with. Instead of waiting for them to “deserve” your kindness, what if you just gave it freely? “Killing her softly with His song, killing her softly…. With his song.”  Who sang that song?

Or think about forgiveness. Is there someone you’ve been holding a grudge against? Maybe they haven’t apologized—or even realized they hurt you. Could you let go of that bitterness and choose to forgive, not because they’ve earned it, but because it’s what love looks like? And to be honest – what Jesus expects us to do.

And then there’s generosity. When was the last time you gave something—your time, your attention, your resources—without expecting anything in return? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest impact.

This kind of love—selfless, unconditional, expecting nothing in return—it changes things. It reflects God’s character to the world. It transforms relationships, breaking down walls of division and building bridges of trust and grace.

And it disrupts the cycle of selfishness and greed that so often defines our world.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t just change others. It changes us. When we love like this, we become more like Jesus. We let go of pride, selfishness, and the need to keep score. We start to see people the way God sees them—as beloved, valuable, and worthy of love.

Reflection
Is there someone you’ve been avoiding, or someone you’ve written off because they can’t give anything back?

Take a moment to pray about it. Ask God to show you how to love them—not because they deserve it, but because this is how He loves us.

Loving without expectation isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s how we show the world what God’s love looks like.

And who knows? That person you love today might just experience God’s grace in a way they’ve never seen before.

Saturday: Be Merciful, as Your Father Is Merciful
NT Scripture: Luke 6:35-36
OT Scripture: Psalm 103:8-13

When I was a kid, every kid in the neighborhood wrestled.  We constantly had one or another penned on the ground. The only way to be let loose was to cry "mercy!" I’m sure we learned it from watching gladiator movies on TV.  (yes, that was a thing).

But when we think about God – the mere fact that we are all such broken people who sin countless times a day – and God lets us wake up in the morning…. That’s Mercy!

But what exactly was mercy in Jesus’ time? Was it even a thing?

Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world of Jesus’ time, mercy was not considered a virtue. Strength, power, and justice were the ideals. The Roman Empire was built on conquest and control, and mercy was often seen as a sign of weakness or failure. If a ruler showed mercy, it was typically for political gain, not out of compassion. To show mercy to an enemy was considered foolish and dangerous—it meant leaving yourself vulnerable.

Even in Jewish culture, mercy wasn’t always the go-to response. The Law of Moses emphasized justice, and the concept of “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24)—while, it was meant to limit excessive punishment—it was often interpreted as a mandate for retribution. Mercy, when it was shown, was usually reserved for one’s own family or community. Enemies? Outsiders? Forget it. Mercy didn’t extend that far.

Against this backdrop, Jesus’ command to “be merciful” was radical. He wasn’t just encouraging a little extra kindness—He was redefining what it meant to live as God’s people. Mercy wasn’t weakness; it was strength. It wasn’t optional; it was essential.

[And, as I was writing this I realized something else – by granting Mercy we are engaging in  mercy like  those that had the power and authority.  Scripture says - " you will be children of the Most High!"   With what kind of power?  The power of God’s grace upon us, empowering the Holy Spirit to work on our behalf showing clearing obstacles and showing compassion and mercy.]


What Does Mercy Look Like?

Mercy, as Jesus teaches it, goes beyond the world’s limited understanding. It’s not just about withholding punishment—it’s about extending compassion and grace, even when it’s undeserved.

Think about the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Here’s a man who stops to help an injured stranger, crossing cultural and religious boundaries to show mercy. The Samaritan gains nothing from this act. In fact, it costs him time, money, and effort. But that’s the point—mercy isn’t about what we get in return. It’s about reflecting the heart of God.
If you want to see mercy in its purest form, look at Jesus’ life. His ministry was a constant display of compassion and forgiveness.

Picture Jesus standing before the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). The crowd is ready to stone her, demanding justice. But Jesus doesn’t condemn her. Instead, He says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, the accusers walk away, and Jesus tells the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

This is mercy. It doesn’t ignore sin, but it doesn’t crush the sinner, either. It offers a way forward, a chance to start again.  Let me write that again - mercy does not ignore sin - it's like us granting pardon for their sin.... sound familiar.  (Y'all will be Christlike before we end the blog!)

 As He’s being crucified, Jesus prays for His executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Mercy doesn’t get more radical than that.

How Do We Live This Out?
Okay, so what does this look like for us? Let’s get real—mercy isn’t easy. It goes against our instincts. When someone wrongs us, our gut reaction is often anger or revenge, not compassion.

But Jesus challenges us to respond differently. He calls us to break the cycle of judgment and retribution and choose mercy instead.  (Let me change that – he doesn’t call us – he commands us to be merciful).

Think about that coworker who always drops the ball. Instead of gossiping or getting frustrated, what if you offered them patience and support? (maybe helped get them some training!).

Another BTW moment.  Anytime I encounter bad customer service - I don't blame the person - I blame the employer.  They likely did not train the person properly or supervise them sufficiently.  It's usually not their fault. Sure, maybe their lazy - again, that's on the boss!  

What about that driver who cuts you off in traffic—what if you chose to let it go.  Now, I still reserve the right to grumble and call that person a “non-driver!”  (That’s about as terse as I get. And my hand gestures are limited to my palms up like an Italian discovering a bad meatball.)

And then there’s forgiveness—the ultimate test of mercy. Maybe someone hurt you deeply, and they don’t deserve your forgiveness. But mercy says, “I’m letting go of this bitterness, not because they’ve earned it, but because I’ve been forgiven, too.”

Mercy isn’t just about being nice—it’s about reflecting God’s character. Psalm 103 reminds us that God is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” As I said at the top, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. Instead, He meets us with mercy, time and time again.

When we show mercy to others, we’re passing on what we’ve already received. It’s a way of saying, “I’ve experienced God’s grace, and I want you to experience it, too.”

And here’s the beautiful thing: mercy doesn’t just change others—it changes us. It softens our hearts, deepens our relationships, and helps us see the world through God’s eyes.

Reflection
So, where do you expend some mercy?

This week, maybe let’s start with yourself, because sometimes the hardest person to forgive is the one staring back at us in the mirror.

Take a moment to ask God for help. Pray for the strength to choose mercy, even when it’s hard.

Remember, mercy isn’t weakness—it’s the power to break the cycle of anger and revenge.

It’s the power to heal, restore, and transform. And it’s one of the most beautiful ways we can reflect God’s love to the world.

See you in church on Sunday - God willing.  trying not to presume He lets me get up that day.

NO BLOG NEXT WEEK – I will be on the road!