A Table with Room for Mercy

My dear son,

Meet people with a generous heart today. Just as sick people come to a physician, I welcome those who need forgiveness and help. You do not have to have everything in order before sitting beside me.

If there is wrong you need to turn from, come to your Father openly. Leave room for others to begin again, too. As Jesus ate with sinners, draw close enough to hear the stories of people others overlook.

Let the care you offer me also become mercy toward people. Discern right and wrong without treating someone as abandoned. Welcome the person beside you warmly today. Your Father values a table where compassion has room.

With all my love,
Your Father

Matthew 9:12–13

WEB

12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

A short reflection

Eating with sinners, Jesus explains that the sick need a physician and that God desires mercy.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter