Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (NIV)
Speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the Father of mercies and God of all comfort—the God of limitless patience, inexhaustible forbearance, and incomparable compassion. Instead of giving us what we deserve, you have given us Jesus—who is our perfect righteousness, everlasting peace, and greatest joy. Hallelujah!
As you extend mercy to us, so you call us to do the same for others. But sometimes that feels unreasonable—even impossible. May your kindness trump our critical attitudes and not-so-righteous indignation. Heal our pain, ramp-down our anger, and center our hearts. Only the gospel—only the “law of liberty” can free us to live and love this way.
Father, we own being easily irritated, offended, and impatient. We keep records of the ways people hurt, fail, and disappoint us, more easily than we overlook, forbear, and forgive them. Sometimes trying to love well just wears us out. Sometimes rolling our eyes is easier than opening our arms to repeat offenders. Thank you for not despising our weakness and struggle. Thank you for being patient with us.
We appeal to you for wisdom for our more complex relationships. Show us what mercy looks like with we feel like we are being exploited and manipulated, used and “played.” We know you’re not calling us to be doormats, but you are calling us to wash feet. Our cry is, “Help, Abba, help us.”
Teach us about healthy boundaries, severe mercy, and extraordinary grace. Empower us for loving in the broken places. Fill us with your Spirit, strengthen us by the gospel, and help us navigate the more soul-depleting relationships. Thank you for your promise of daily mercies, sufficient grace, and more grace. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ kind and powerful name.