He
did not . . . show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might
even slay the broken in heart. Psalm 109:16
A Detroit newspaper reported that a patient in a local hospital was shot and killed as he
lay in his bed recovering from a previous gunshot wound. The victim had been listed in
fair condition prior to the shooting and was looking forward to going home. Hospital
patients and employees were stunned. A spokesperson said that nothing like this had
happened in the 50 years of the hospital's existence.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could say the same for our churches? Wouldn't it be
encouraging if we were able to say that in 50 years of meeting together for worship,
fellowship, and spiritual healing, we had not had a single instance of a wounded member
being cut down by the unkindness of a fellow Christian?
Many among us have experienced the pain that David expressed in Psalm 109. When he was
hurt and vulnerable, insensitive people took advantage of him. Certainly, if he had
sinned, he needed their loving correction. What he didn't need was their scorn, gossip,
and selfish neglect.
Who shoots his foot after stubbing his toe? No one in his right mind. Neither should
anyone with the mind of Christ act unmercifully toward a wounded brother or sister in the
body of Christ. Rather, we must "show mercy" (v.16).
-MRDII
Give me, Lord, a lot of mercy
For my fellow men each day,
Mercy in their many failures
As they struggle on their way.
-Isenhour
A hurting person needs a helping hand, not an accusing finger.