Can we think of a single wrong committed toward us that would be greater than those committed toward Christ Jesus? Yet look at what his attitude and actions were in response to the many indignities and injustices he received. He demanded no apology from his offenders but rather forgave them, healed them, prayed for them. When Jesus was on the cross, his attitude was not one of condemnation but of mercy. He said of those who crucified him, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."Luke 23:34. What mercy was exemplified by Jesus, and what a powerful example he set for us all when we are wronged!
How could Jesus be merciful in the face of such wrongs? What gave him spiritual poise and freedom from anger? Wasn't it that he steadfastly identified man as the image of God, and understood that evil is always impersonal, no part of God's man? Jesus responded with mercy because his vision of man was clear. It was spiritual.
This spiritual view of man and of the role that mercy plays in human affairs was certainly reflected in the Master's teachings. The attitude of mercy is clearly woven into the Beatitudes and throughout the Sermon on the Mount. In the face of such wrongs as aggression, cursing, and hating, the response of mercy through loving, blessing, and praying is put forth as the answer.
