Accommodate The Weaknesses Of Others

Matthew 5:3-10

“Blessed are the MERCIFUL for they shall be shown mercy”

One of the most amazing pictures of mercy I have ever read, is found in The Ragamuffin Gospel:

“I stand by the bed where a young woman lies, her face postoperative, her mouth twisted in palsy, clownish. A tiny twig of the facial nerve, the one to the muscles of her mouth, had been severed. She will be this way from now on. I had followed with religious fervor the curve of her flesh; nevertheless, to remove the tumor in her cheek, I had to cut the little nerve.

Her young husband is in the room. He stands on the opposite side of the bed and together they seem to dwell in the evening lamplight, isolated from me, private.

Who are they, I ask myself? He and this wry mouth I have made, who gaze at each other so generously, lovingly.

The young woman speaks. ”Will my mouth always be like this?’ she asks. “Yes, I say, it will. It is because the nerve was cut.” She nods and is silent.

But the young man smiles. “I like it,” he says, “It’s kind of cute.” All at once I know who he is. I understand and I lower my gaze. One is not bold in such an encounter.

Unmindful, he bends to kiss her crooked mouth, and I am so close I can see how he twists his own lips to accommodate to hers, to show her that their kiss still works.”

Like the young man, who adjusted his lips to accommodate his young brides now weak, twisted kiss, God’s great mercy has twisted to accommodate your weaknesses. WHAT GRACE!

Likewise, we must therefore accommodate the weakness, the failings and foibles of others. Failure to do so, the Bible clearly shows us, means our “Debt will be reinstated”. (Matt 18:21-35).

That’s scary! Forgive, and forgive quick as you can! Be merciful, to ensure the windows of mercy remain over your own life today.

I walk in mercy, just as my Father in heaven is merciful! (Luke 6:36) His compassion flows through me, and I extend grace, kindness, and forgiveness to others just as He has freely given to me.

I will not hold on to offenses, but I choose mercy over judgment. For mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13) I forgive quickly, love deeply, and seek peace in all situations.

I will not repay evil for evil, but I will walk in humility and kindness, leaving room for God to move (Romans 12:19-21).