Mercy Begets Loyalty
A reflection of this morning upon how awesome it is to receive mercy.
To have someone choose to support you through trial, rather than scald you.
So many people in this world seek to gain supremacy over others by imposing force or threatenings.
Sure, sometimes it yields outward results, but it also causes that person to seek to spend as little time as possible with the imposer of their will.
But when someone shows you grace, mercy, kindness and support during a hard time, the heart draws near that person and a desire to bless them and be obedient is swiftly awoken.
(Max McClelland, July 25, 2025)
The earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive power was to be broken. This could not be done by force. The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God's government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world's dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. (Desire of Ages, page 22)
