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A faithful presence of love in the absences of our city.

Practicing Mercy

Practicing Mercy

Cynicism is very prevalent in our culture today. As a society and as individuals we are quick to judge those around us and slow to show mercy. As a first responder for the city of Albuquerque this is something that I personally struggle with when I am at work. A large population that we respond to is the lower class and under-privileged. There are days when we will pick up the same intoxicated or high person two or three times. The thoughts that go through my head are usually “why don’t you just stop and get a job” “if you spent your money on food or housing and not alcohol you would not be on the streets” or “you got yourself into this mess, why don’t you fix it.”

On Sunday, Justin talked about practicing mercy in our lives. We are to show the same mercy to others that God has been given to us. This is convicting for me when I look at my own life. I think of all the ways that I sin everyday and feel the weight of the judgement I deserve. However, knowing that I am saved by the sacrifice Christ made on the cross makes that weight disappear. I am left with the feeling of gratitude and joy knowing that I am a child of the King. This is the way that I should look at everyone else I come into contact with. It does not matter what tax bracket someone is in or the problems they are facing in life. People are created in God’s image the same as me, and we should show them the same mercy that God shows to us everyday. These lyrics has been running through my head since Sunday,

“Praise the Lord, His mercy is more
Stronger than darkness and new every morn,
My sins they are many, His mercy is more.”

I pray that we can remember the mercy that is given to us and share that same mercy with those in our lives.


~Stephen Siebert