I could handle the opening statement rather easily: “Mercy is what I have been given and what I am called to give.” That’s true. I know that. And I agree. That which has been shown to me I am to show/give to others.

The real penetration starts with this question: “How is it possible that I who have been blessed with eternal love far beyond anything I could have hoped to earn could be so regularly unloving to those around me?” Good question. How can I be so unloving? Dismissive? Uncaring? Unsympathetic? Unempathetic?

The real body slam came with this:

I don’t always respond to others as the Savior has responded to me because I don’t share his heart. My heart is not always ruled by what ruled his heart. My life is not always motivated by what motivated his. I don’t always find joy is what brought him joy. So I lack the mercy that drove and shaped his life.

That hurts. It hurts because I want to believe I am following Him heart and soul, but this shows me I’m not. It shows me my need for grace still looms large. There is definitely a hole in my gospel according to James 2. I fail to show what I have been shown.

“Father, just when I think I’m doing okay, I’m reminded I still have a ways to go. Not in my acceptance of your grace, but in my display of it. My feeling and caring is lacking at times. My lack of empathy shows. Forgive me when I show favoritism. Your acceptance of me shows your heart. May my response to others show your heart as well.”