Risky Mercy

Pilate was merciful till it became risky. — CS Lewis.

It is hard to believe that an act of kindness would be risky, but I bet each and every one of you came name an occasion where mercy, compassion, kindness came with a risk.

Right now with the virus, the social upheaval, with the economic uncertainty, the world is full of people who could use a little mercy, compassion, or help. Yet, we are hesitant to help because of the risk. A judge may be inclined to mercy but fears public outcry. A person or organization desperately needs a financial boost, but the potential giver fears his or her financial future if things worsen. In your meditation think to yourself whether you have declined mercy because of the risk.

I’m not suggesting you take a risk of contracting the virus, although look at all the health care professionals who are teaching Pilate a good lesson every day. Instead I suggest you examine all the opportunities to be merciful and not let risk keep you from acting.

If there was ever a time to temper every action we take with mercy it is now.

 

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About the author

Webb Hubbell is the former Associate Attorney General of The United States. His novels, When Men Betray, Ginger Snaps, A Game of Inches, The Eighteenth Green, and The East End are published by Beaufort Books and are available online or at your local bookstore. When Men Betray won one of the IndieFab awards for best novel in 2014. Ginger Snaps and The Eighteenth Green won the IPPY Awards Gold Medal for best suspense/thriller. His latest, “Light of Day” will be on the bookstands soon.