Romans 11:30-33 For just as you [Gentiles] once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so these [Jews] also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. 32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Mercy is good. Thank God for the mercy he has shown you. Do not be quick to judge what degree of mercy he may show another.

God forgive our disobedience and bring us ever closer to you in all we think, say, and do.

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love’s light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.