Mercy in the Moment

Growing Daily

My wife teaches sixth grade science. Most people would probably pay good money to avoid spending all day with hundreds of middle schoolers. Just mentioning her job usually gets a wince and a sympathetic groan.

She's often asked how on earth she even survives. Her answer? She chooses her battles. There are all kinds of little disruptions she could call out immediately, but often she lets them go... at least for the moment.

She’ll tell students who are misbehaving, “Just because I didn’t say anything doesn’t mean I didn’t notice. I’m choosing to focus on those who want to learn.”

It makes me think about the patience God shows us. Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

God doesn’t overlook sin, but He doesn’t always respond immediately. In His mercy, He gives us time to listen, learn, and turn back to Him.

It’s easy to mistake His patience for inattention or indifference. But His delay is an act of love, not neglect or approval. His patience is an invitation to draw closer, not a pass to drift further away. Romans 2:4 says, “Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

Today, what are you doing with the mercy you’ve been given? Using it to change… or using it to keep going your own way?

- Ron Reid