March 24, 2014

The following excerpts are from the blog “Downward Ascent 5: Heart of God” on Andrew Comiskey’s website: “‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy’ (Matt. 5:7). Mercy is the heart of God. Fittingly, mercy is the core theme of the Beatitudes: the poor, the mournful, the meek and hungry welcome mercy like rain on broken dry ground. Jesus then exhorts such receivers to extend that unfailing love to those who fail them.” …

“How can I not forgive another and yet claim to be named by the God who forgave me over and over for gross acts of sexual immorality with no guarantee that this confession would be the last? To bear the name of our God means that we act as He does—mercifully. Jesus said it simply, and best. ‘Be merciful as Your Father is merciful.’ (LK 6:36)”

“This Lent take time to reflect on how merciful He has been to you. Consider your failures and how both a merciful God and His children forgave you. Consider also those whom you have written off, judged as unworthy of your mercy. Ask yourself: why is your mercy different from His? Spend time before the Crucified and ask for the mercy to close the gap. Be merciful. Be like your Father.” …