Mercy is Tenderhearted

By David Bragg     Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”     "When I was a child and saw frightening things on the news, my mother would always tell me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" These wise words are from Fred Rogers. Imagine someone disliking such a kind man! A few years before his passing, his car was stolen in Philadelphia. The story was snapped up by local media. Among those who saw the news was the young thief. Upon realizing the car belonged to Mr. Rogers, and recalling fond memories of watching his show, the thief returned the car with a note: "If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it!" (www.sermoncentral.com)     In a world that often feels harsh and uncaring, seek out those in need of merciful kindness and share Christ’s kindness with them. You will always find people who need His mercy and kindness. This is the calling the Apostle Paul spoke of when he reflected on the merciful kindness of Jesus. We are called to show tenderhearted mercy and genuine kindness, following the example of the One whose perfect kindness defines us as Christians.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/