Feeling sentimental while decorating our Christmas tree, I reflect on the bittersweet memories of Christmases past, and loved ones who’ve passed. Pressing on in the second year of an historic pandemic, some of us may feel weary during the joyous season. This time of year can be difficult when struggling with added pressure, grieving losses, or financial strain. I pray that we will bear this in mind when interacting with others, everywhere we go. You never know what someone may be going through. Let us be intentional in extending patience, grace and mercy to one another, letting God’s light shine. Our family is grieving the recent loss of my dear father-in-law, Max. He left us last week for his heavenly home, a sad time for family and just before Christmas. We sure are going to miss him. Max was a larger-than-life character, truly one of a kind. Everywhere he went, he made friends. An enthusiastic antique tractor puller, he restored antique tractors to their former glory for folks all around the country. One friend said, “When it came to drag-racing and tractor pulling, Max could produce power!” As teens, my husband and I waited countless times while Max chatted with people he’d just met, as though old friends. He was genuine, and took the time to get to know people, making an impact. A local christian radio station promotes kindness in the drive-through; you pay for the car behind you, blessing someone’s day. I have personally been encouraged in my faith from this kind gesture. 

During this past month, I have been reminded of the mercifulness of God. Aren’t you so thankful that God is merciful? I know I am! I have found at times, while quietly carrying out a mundane chore, the Lord has ministered to my heart. While folding laundry one evening, a parable came to mind regarding the importance of showing mercy and forgiveness to others, considering the awesome mercy and forgiveness we have been shown by God, through the redeeming blood of Christ. 

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor, Matthew 18:21-35, NLT

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 

Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. But the man fell down before his master and begged him, “Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.” 

Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 

But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. 

“Be patient with me, and I will pay it,” he pleaded. 

But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” 

Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.

My prayer is that we are encouraged to show grace to others. It is a free gift, just as we have been shown grace freely. 

Merry Christmas and blessings to each one of you.