APRIL 21, Matthew 5:7, Psalm 103: 8-12

“Oooh, Kim! Look what you’ve done! You broke Mom’s favorite crystal!” Beng Lee exclaimed. “It’s the one grandma gave her just before she died last year. Suspect she won’t be happy!” Kim stared in horror at the shattered pieces of crystal on the floor. “I-I-I couldn’t h-help it,” said Kim nervously. “I…”

“What’s the matter?” Both children were surprised Mum was home so early from the market. An initial frown creased over her face as she realized what had happened. Kim burst out. “Mummy, I d-d-didn’t mean to. I was just trying to rearrange the display cabinet. .Oh! I’m s-s-so sorry.” Mother put on a brave smile and an arm around Kim. “Don’t worry my girl. Don’t cry!”

“Does she have to buy you another one? It’d be expensive!” asked Beng Lee. “No, Some things can never be replaced.” Mother said sadly. “Then are you going to discipline her?” Beng Lee dug deeper. Mother shook her head. “Spank her?” Beng Lee asked. Again there answer was a “No”. Beng Lee was astounded. “Aren’t you going to punish her at all?” “No.” Mother sighed. “I’m going to forgive her and show mercy. We can see clearly that Kim has already learned that she needs to be more careful.”

Beng Lee started to protest but Mother, fighting back tears, told him, “Don’t be jealous when mercy is shown to someone else. You see, Beng Lee, mercy is something for which we should all be very grateful. Except for the mercy of God, we would all receive the eternal punishment we deserve. So, thank God for His mercy to you, and be glad when mercy is given to others, too. Who knows when you may need it again yourself.”

Kim asked how mum would remember grandma now that the crystal was gone. Mother wisely replied, “We’d all remember grandma by this incident for it was her that taught me forgiveness and mercy.”

Thought: Are you a forgiving and merciful child?

Prayer: Most gracious Father in Heaven, thank you for showing mercy on me and saving a wretched sinner like me. Just like how I was shown mercy, please help me to be merciful to others and to love mercy even when it is given to others. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.