Mercy, me?

     I have read that people who study sharks say that they are most likely to attack when sensing blood in the water. 

     

     The blood seems to trigger their feeding mechanism, causing them to attack, often in a group. In a frenzy, they then look for a target. 
     
     I've been wondering if this isn't how we as humans, sometimes respond to others around us, who may be hurting, those with a lifestyle unlike our own.

     We see someone's failings or faults, become judgmental, and feel it is our duty to play God and set them straight. 

          Embracing a high standard of moral conduct and right living is being wise, yet how can we live out our own beliefs without becoming anti-everything to those around us? 

     Respecting the dignity and worth of others is a good place to start — acknowledging, "there is a God but, I'm not Him!" 

     The all-wise God is the ultimate judge and doesn't need my help. As His child, I believe I am called to reflect the character of my Heavenly Father. That must mean to show mercy to my fellow man. 
     
Mercy can be described as not getting what we deserve. 

     "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." 

— Matthew 5:7  

     
     So, I conclude — God alone knows the thoughts and intents of man's heart and therefore, is the rightful judge.  

     Here are a few thoughts that stuck with me — after hearing my pastor speak on the topic: saying, we often hear people remark,"Christians are anti-everything."  
     I hope I've been inspired to show more respect, love, compassion and mercy. Also, to think twice when I am prone to judge one of my fellow travellers. 
     

     All life is created by God and bears His autograph. 

     

Someone has aptly said, "Withhold your judgement of another until you have walked a mile in his moccasins."   

     "For He has set a day when he will judge the world with justice..."  

— Acts 17:31 

          My worship today, ended with the following, Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, lingering in my thoughts, so beautifully rendered at the close.    

     Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

— beulah