Happy Monday.

Another month has flown and we are more than a half way through 2014.

Mercy! Time flies.

That exclamation, “mercy,” was one my mom used in place of other slang words or cursing. It meant, “I’m puzzled,” “I’m mad,” “That’s not good,” or a myriad of other things. A catch-all word. She was a stickler for no cursing.

But of course, the real meaning is far different. It really means, “to have compassion for an offender” or “to choose to be kind to one considered an enemy.”

What ever happened to mercy? Especially in the media or on the internet?

It seems we live in a day when we are both judge and jury with no leniency.

I’ve needed mercy many times in my life and thankfully have received it.

It’s a given that “happy are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Or as Solomon wrote, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” It’s a boomerang effect!

The ever judgmental Pharisees questioned Jesus about eating with the enemy (sinners).

He explained that those who were doing fine didn’t need Him but the “sick” did.

He told them to learn what was meant by that in Matthew 9:12-13.

Then Jesus replied, “I will have mercy and not sacrifice.”

All the good things the Pharisees practiced would not matter if there was no mercy present.

Is this still a true teaching? We know the answer to that question.

Yet, I ask again, “What ever happened to mercy?”

The story I’ve been told about Corrie Ten Boom is a wonderful illustration of the gift of mercy.

Years after she was released from the concentration camp in Germany, where she and sister Betsy had suffered so many indignities at the hands of rough guards, and where Betsy died, she met face to face with one of the most cruel guards.

All of the feelings of horror, sadness, loss welled up in Corrie as if it were yesterday.

Surprisingly, the guard, who had come to know Christ, held out his hand and asked for her forgiveness.

Hesitating for a moment, she reached out, took his hand, and gave forgiveness; undeserved mercy.

A touching story!

But perhaps some have a “guard” in their life today that needs that sweet release of mercy being offered.

It’s a gift that keeps on giving.