The merciful

See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! ~ Zechariah 7:9b (CEV)

God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy! ~ Matthew 5:7 (CEV)

Merciful God, I don't know why but I like it when people get all the punishment they deserve -- nothing more, but also nothing less. I get excited when bad guys go to jail -- not because I feel that everyone is safer or that justice is done -- but because it makes me feel superior. That's the way I think. But apparently it is not the way you think. You, who are superior, are constantly looking for ways to show mercy and for ways to bless those who do the same. I need to change if I'm going to be like you. Have mercy on me and forgive my attitude. Transform me into someone who is passionate about showing mercy. I want to be like Jesus. I want to be Jesus to everyone I encounter today -- both friends and enemies. Amen.