In some philosophies and religions of the world, you may find a constitution for the love of God and men. But you may not find such a constitution for unconditional forgiveness of enemies, for the followers of those beliefs are not certain of God’s remission of their sins. They are uncertain and doubtful about his mercy. Their depiction of their god stamps their culture, and seals their characters.
Yet, our God is Love. His mercy is limitless. He has given his only begotten Son so that we might be delivered for his sonship. This redemption of our God changed our insight, and turned our principles: we love as he loves us, and forgive as he forgives us. He was patient on us, and did not destroy us when we blasphemed against him angrily. He did good to us when we enraged him, and blessed us when we overstepped his limits.
Christ is the image of our God. He was stricken, but remained silent. He was crowned with thorns, but blessed his tormenters. His blood was shed, and he was spat in his face. He loved the ungodly and adulterers, and prayed while hanged on the infamous tree, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Don’t you see that Christ is the good example for to all mankind? Unfortunately, none of us is righteous. We are all corrupt, wicked, and evil. But Christ died for us that we might be healed by his death. He gave us his Spirit, in order that the love of God should dwell in our hearts. He participated us in the right of his sonship, that we might call God "our Father". Do you realize your privilege? God loves you, though you are his enemy, inasmuch as he gave his only begotten Son in order that you, disobedient, should become his dear son. When will you thank his love, and respond to it, committing yourself completely, and obeying your eternal thankfulness to him?
Listen, faithful brother: Christ pulls you out of the corruption of your humanity to the highest degree of your thankfulness, for he commands you, "Be merciful as your Father is merciful" Are you not frightened of this commandment? Do not be afraid, for the mercy of your Father is considerably great. He offers you power that you may be merciful to all, just as your Father is merciful. Ho does this happen? It happens only through believing in Christ and his justification. The Holy Spirit dwells in your heart. This merciful Spirit is your Father’s Spirit. Essence from his essence, and light from his light. Does the Spirit of God dwell in you? Come to Christ, and ask him to change your stony heart with a merciful heart. Then you will love all men, forgive your enemies, and bear those that are difficult in your Father’s patience. The mercy of God in your heart is not only an emotional feeling, but it urges you to sacrifice. Words are often cheap, but money, bread, and clothes are valuable. How much do you sacrifice monthly? Your sacrifice in comparison with your income shows your love. You are not compelled to help the poor, or to contribute to your church, for love does not know obligation, but privilege in sacrifice. If the Spirit of your Father dwelt in you, you will prepare jobs for the jobless, lend those that are in hardship, and pray for helping mobs in practical ways. If you serve your church in the name of Christ, you will receive a great wage, for your Lord will increase your power for service, multiply people’s contempt against you, and increases your sufferings in order that you should become more close to the image of his love and forgiveness. God himself is the wages of those who bear the cross.
In all your diligence in bringing up the new generation, and in helping the poor, you will soon know that charities are important, but heart salvation is more important. The capital of believers is almost small in many instances, but the power of their prayer is great. The continuous contributions of the poor accompanied with their prayers are more powerful than the large and considerable contributions that might be offered by the rich. God knows your heart. Are you merciful, as your Father is?