“Compassion is a verb.” Thich Nhat Hanh

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Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Matthew 23:23-24

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!”

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You have to laugh at Jesus comparing the religious leaders of his day to blind guides who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

How comical!

Jesus never seemed to have criticism for the so-called “sinner” who was struggling.

Instead, he levels his only criticism at the religious leaders for upholding and practicing all the rules but overlooking the most important part of the law: mercy and fidelity.

It’s a real lesson in both-and thinking.

Jesus is saying that you can both uphold laws and at the same time be merciful, caring and loyal.

There is still a shortage of both-and thinkers today.

Many are either-or thinkers: You either follow a law to the letter or you are held in utter contempt.

It is either black or white.

There is no gray area for these people (which is the lowest level of consciousness).

For Jesus, mercy and compassion were always what carried more weight.

Where are the people today who are calling for mercy and compassion?

What leaders demonstrate those qualities?

We need more missionaries of mercy in the world, not nitpickers and gnat-strainers.

This is at the very heart of living a Christian life.

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Listen to the song of the day “Mercy Reigns” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!