I've never felt such a motivation to be merciful. I almost shudder to think of how unmerciful I've been, am, and will yet be due to my inherently imperfect nature.
"For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored;" Alma 41:15
In common day speak, its saying "what goes around comes around," but I feel like the verse's language is more poignant.
Preceding it are these words: "see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy, justice, a righteous judgment, and good rewarded unto you again." (Alma 41:14, slightly modified for easier reading)
Something about this struck me right into the pit of my stomach. How much am I in need of mercy?! Oh so greatly! How much am I in need of grace? Infinitely!
Then it is to me to send out those things!
The more clearly I see myself, the more I see that I, a man, am nothing, while in the same breath boldly declaring that I am a son of the Most High.
I have so much to learn, so much I'll yet stumble over, so much mercy to depend on -- out of sheer survival I must needs extend great mercy! One of these things to learn is to more fully believe in myself.
How interesting it is that, the more I see my own nothingness, I may simultaneously see my greatness, my divine nature!
To recognize man, one's self included, as nothing is not abasing or self-deprecating. Rather, it recognizes one's divine nature, worth, and potential as well as that of others, and it extends mercy and grace. To be otherwise would be counterfeit.
