In Ethiopia another year of famine is being endured, but perhaps because this is a continuing problem the press have become silent and no appeals are launched on behalf of these once proud people. In countries with recently constituted democracies we find that opposition political parties are banned, and civil law and order is enforced by both the police and military forces. As Christians we know there is something beyond justice, that mercy needs always to be weighed in the balance. God desires from us a surrender of our spirit, not of the flesh or any material possessions. To live justly and with mercy walking humbly with God, is to express our morality as a living witness to our faith journey, our perfect submission to God.
Mercy is the ability to see things with another's eyes, to experience another's feelings.
The supreme example of mercy is the coming of God in Jesus Christ, inaugurating the new covenant. This new covenant is of the spirit rather than one fixed on the letter of the law. The new covenant finds its expression in forgiveness and in love. That love is oft expressed in compassion.