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February 26, 2024Jesus instructs his disciples to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Mercy, of course, entails compassion, gentleness, and forgiveness, which means that Jesus called his followers to transcend their human inclination to “keep score.” Keeping score is to reward those who help you and get even with those who hurt you. In large part, in human history, keeping score was a means for people to survive by recognizing friends, and rewarding them for their loyalty. Thus, keeping them as allies. On the other hand, knowing the enemy was to be aware of their intent and potential maliciousness. Thus, strike them to keep them at bay or to get even. When Jesus came, however, he upended this “survival” mode by preaching mercy. In essence, mercy is about love, including loving your enemy.
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