It occurs to me that mercy is the twin brother of grace. By the grace of God, mercy is extended to each of us. It is not forced on anyone; it is offered freely. And each one of us has the choice to turn it aside or embrace it.
Consider Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet.” His heart ached for his people who should descend so low in captivity to another nation. They had rejected the leadership of God, choosing to turn aside from His grace and precepts. The fault was their own. Yet even in their slavery, a measure of God’s mercy—His deep, unfailing love—could be seen. Jeremiah declared through tears that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.
Praise God we have a Lord who delights in showing mercy, who forgives our sinning, who does not retain His anger forever. When your life is plagued by disappointment and strife, look to the dawn of the new day. He is sure to have enclosed mercies for you in it, however small they may be. Look for His evidences of compassion for you, given graciously and freely without guilt or shame.