Between Righteousness and Mercy
I went to AI to see how “Artificial Intelligence” would answer the last prompt and here is what AI sent me:
“I don’t have personal experiences or emotions, but I think I can show mercy by offering understanding, patience, and kindness in conversations. Mercy often involves recognizing someone’s struggles or mistakes and responding with compassion instead of harshness.”
I liked what AI told me and even came up with an example of a situation where I was the recipient of mercy. This weekend, our Grandson, Matthew came for a visit and while he was here, we played a card game called 3-13 in which in each hand there is a “wild” card that is determined by which round of the game you are playing. We had played one complete game and were starting on the second round of our second game. I lost the first complete game by over 100 points—meaning it was a BIG loss so believe me, I was glad to be starting a whole new game. But my first round in the new game followed my losing pattern and I lost it. Now we were on round 2 and the “wild” card was 4 and it was my turn.
So, without thinking I discarded a 4 which was the “wild” card and which I needed if I wanted to break my losing streak. I played the card and then realized what I had done. The rule is “A card laid, is a card played” however I wanted that card back! Matthew very graciously told me to take it back—in other words, he was showing me mercy! Following the rules of the game, I had no right to take my played card back but following the rules of mercy, he let me do it! He was offering me kindness, encouragement and support.
I know this is a far-out example and not anything earth shattering, but it’s a simple example of what mercy can look like in a real situation.
And I know you are all eager to have me say that I went on to win the whole game. I didn’t! My losing streak continued but I will share this—-I did feel better about myself losing because I was allowed to take back my “dumb” action. I lost because he is a better player. But he did show me mercy. Thank you, Matthew!
My Prayer: Lord, we thank you for granting us the power of mercy, allowing us to show compassion and kindness as a reflection of Your boundless love. Amen
Kathy Martin