the paradox of mercy

it doesn’t make sense to love those who hurt us.
it goes against everything we feel,
everything we’re taught by the world.

our first instinct is to protect ourselves,
to retreat or to retaliate.

but Yahshua (Jesus) didn’t come to affirm our instincts —
He came to transform them.

He taught us something radical.
something divine.
something human hearts can barely comprehend:

"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you,
do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."
— Matthew 5:44

why would we do that?
because we are no different.

we were once the enemies of YHWH.
and still, Yahshua gave His life for us.

"But YHWH demonstrates His own love for us in this:
while we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us."
— Romans 5:8

we don’t forgive because they deserve it.
we forgive because we’ve been forgiven.

we don’t love our enemies because it’s easy.
we love them because Yahshua loved us first,
even when we rejected Him.

every time we choose love over hate,
mercy over revenge,
we reflect the heart of Yahshua —
and that changes the world,
even if it breaks ours a little in the process.

we are called to be different.
to respond not from emotion,
but from the Spirit.

and this is not weakness —
it’s a strength born of surrender.

"Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good."
— Romans 12:21

this kind of love is not natural.
it’s not even fair.
but it is holy.

it’s the kind of love that hung on a cross,
looked into the eyes of His accusers, and said:

"Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."
— Luke 23:34

we can’t do this alone.
but YHWH never asked us to.

He gives us grace for what He calls us to.
and if He calls us to love the unlovable,
it’s because He first loved us when we were.

so let’s love beyond reason.
let’s forgive where it hurts.
let’s be a reflection of Yahshua’s heart
in a world that desperately needs it.

because the paradox of mercy is this:
what we give away most freely...
is what we’ve most undeservedly received.