Love and Mercy
1 Kings 21:17–29; Psalm 51; Matthew 5:43–48
“After murdering Naboth, are you now going to take over his ancestral land? In fact, in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick up your blood also” (1 Kings 21:19). These were the words of Elijah to Ahab. The Bible says that as soon as Ahab heard these words, he humbled himself before God and repented. There are two basic lessons here: 1. Our evil deeds carry with them unavoidable punishments. 2. No matter how grave our sins may be, God’s mercy and forgiveness await those who truly repent.
Therefore, anyone who hears God’s warning should repent. The Psalm of today is a plea for mercy, asking God for forgiveness and restoration. Mercy is the nature of God. Ezek 18:23 says, God is not interested in the death of a wicked man; rather, let him repent and live. In the gospel, Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:44–45). Some Christians desire the death of the wicked. While this sounds logical, Christ invites us to embrace true Christian spirituality.
Let us pray
Father, we humbly beseech you that all the sheep who stray out of Your fold may be converted to You. Grant us mercy and grace to fulfil your commands. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
