Today we read more about Jeremiah’s vision of mercy for God’s people. Yes, destruction is coming, but afterwards God is going to gather Judah together regardless of where they are. God includes everyone in this plan — even the most broken and burdened. God has got this, just like a kind and loving parent, God will lead them.

Have you been on the receiving end of mercy? As a child, on more than one occasion my parents mercifully offered me love and acceptance as an alternative to the punishment I justly deserved. This gave me a glimpse of God. Unfortunately, I seem to be pulled by retribution — to want the bad guys to get theirs. I guess I’m a work in progress. Practicing mercy continues to be a struggle.

The 19th-century preacher, E.H. Chapin said, “Mercy. That is the gospel. The whole of it in one word.” I’ll keep struggling. How about you?

By Bill Ogletree from D365