Knowing Mercy

" 'But let him who boasts boast of this: that he understands and knows me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight, ' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:24

"I'm okay. I really am okay," she said reassuringly. We left her at the front door tucked behind the storm reciting her soliloquy.

Later, neediness calls. Another loved one demanding center stage.

We back away wondering what this next act might look like. We know the roles we'll play. Supporting roles, offering mercy - undying loyalty, kindness and unfailing love - for those who've stood strong for us all these years.

Mercy. It's my new word; the word my mind can't shake and the word God desires me to know. So, I search for meaning in this little word and God leads me right back to Jeremiah; the book where God's planted my feet since July. And suddenly, it's not so much about defining mercy as it is knowing the One who is mercy.

Right away, I want to know what I'm supposed to do and God whispers, "It's not about what you know but who you know. It's not about doing, or playing a role, it's about knowing." And how else do we know someone but spend time with them and abide with them?

In Jeremiah 9:24 God says, if anyone boasts, we should not boast of what we have or do (riches, wisdom, position) but rather we should boast in the Eternal One; that we understand and know God.

What is God like? He delights in mercy (unfailing love, kindness, compassion), righteousness and justice.  And when we spend time knowing Him, we transform into His likeness.

It's easy being God-like when we love the ones who ask for mercy.  It comes readily when we're unscheduled, unhurried, and burden less, but how easy does mercy flow when we're busy or obligated or we don't particularly love the person and they don't love us either?

There's the rub. Our part is to emulate God, who delights showing mercy to all in all circumstances.

Father, help us to understand and know you. May we take time each day to soak in your presence until all we do emulates who you are; One who delights in mercy, righteousness and justice.