Hebrews 4:16 –Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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Ideally, true virtues should not conflict. However, our needs in life often contrast with our higher aspirations. There is a constant internal reminder of the more favorable path. For instance, the recognition of the need for increased productivity can coexist with the temptation of comfort in an easy chair. This contradiction between wanting to achieve a goal and engaging in actions that do not contribute to it can be perplexing.
Virtue is the totality of our higher nature calling me to be better and live better. But, what if two higher standards conflict? I have often struggled with the two virtues of mercy and justice. Between these high virtues are a million points of happenstance. Justice demands punishment no matter what. Mercy is a free offer of forgiveness no matter what. I deserve justice and crave mercy. The world around me shouts for fairness and there is little space left for mercy. This cacophony of voices may well distract me. Yet I simply choose to draw near to God and let Him sort it out. It is in this closeness I experience mercy.
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Lord we all need mercy, some more than others, and today I will look for those who are in need.
#JustLarry