Category Archives: Psalm 103

Kindness and mercy

Mount of the Beatitudes

Jesus said to his disciples, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

The Lord doesn’t call me to seek out harmful situations, but life experiences of unjust treatment, rejection, or abuse do happen. I must cultivate a practice of letting go of the pain, fear, and grief caused by people or events that are out of my control and ask God to bless everyone I find hard to love.

Today I will immerse myself in God’s kindness and mercy. I will ask God to open my heart so that I may in my turn release the kindness and mercy I receive from God into the world.

Lord, bless all the people I resent and help me to forgive them. Bless all those who resent me, too, as I am not always kind, merciful, or loving in my treatment of others.

Cultivate kindness and compassion

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Le vigneron et le figuier,
between 1886 and 1894
gouache over graphite
on gray wove paper
Brooklyn Museum

The Lord is kind and merciful. Psalm 103:8a

Kind words and actions and a compassionate presence do more to build up the kingdom of heaven than harshness, impatience, and an unforgiving attitude.

Lord, show me how to be more like you. Fill me with your kindness, peace, and compassion. May my words and actions reflect your infinite patience and love.