Mathew Schmalz, an Associate Professor of Religion, defines “mercy" as a “love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way.”*
And as soon as I heard that definition, I asked myself, "what do I need?" As a human, I need the essentials, of course: water, shelter, and food. But I think that God's mercy reaches beyond what I can even comprehend that I need. He knew me and you before we even took our first breath. His mercy extends to places of the unseen that go further and deeper than we realize. His mercy towards us meets our needs before we know we need them. That makes me feel seen and safe.
As we have been recipients of such deep, rich mercies, how are we mirroring the mercy we receive towards the people in our inner circle? How can we make our people feel seen and safe today, right now? Is there a need that I can see with my human eyes and respond with the supernatural love that God has poured into my life? It doesn't have to be complicated. But I do believe a little forethought goes a long way.
Do you know that neighbor with 4 kids who always seems to be reversing out the driveway in her minivan with sports equipment and smudged windows? Mercy might look like a gift card to Starbucks.
Maybe to that friend from high school who you haven't seen in a long time but heard they received some hard news, sending a card with heartfelt words looks like mercy.
And when we are all out of ideas for the day on to whom and how to show the mercy we have received towards others—maybe that's the perfect time to fall to our knees and give thanks to God for the mercies He makes new every morning.