Be Merciful

Be Merciful

“Is it against the law on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life or to kill?’  But they said nothing.  Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said, to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’  He stretched it out and his hand was better.”  (Mark 3: 4 – 5)

The above passage evokes these associations:

• “What I want is mercy and compassion and not sacrifice.”


• “A sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me.”


• “The Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath.”


• “What I want is love and knowledge of God.”

To please God, we must understand the things that are nearest to his heart.  When we take the spirit out of the law, we find that the letter of the law can be very harsh.  Mercy, love and compassion are nearer the heart of God than strict observance of the law.  

Lord, teach me to be merciful in applying the law.