The power of love and showing mercy

This man is in our church. Our lesson that morning was on Jesus' words, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Our pastor asked him to tell his story, which he has allowed me to share.

“For those of you that don't know my story, family was not something that I had the privilege of growing up with. Neither were things like love and safety. I had a very horrible childhood filled with abuse, neglect, and abandonment. I spent most of my childhood in foster homes, group homes, and juvenile prisons. I was void of love, full of hate, addicted to drugs, and caught up in state and federal prisons. Between sentences, I met my wife — and she was a breath of fresh air for me. 

I wish I could say that everything was perfect from that point on, but it wasn't. I was a mess. I was still using and selling drugs, which led me right back into prison. Instead of leaving me, she showed me mercy I had never experienced before. She not only forgave me, she came and married me in the county jail visiting booth. I was going away for eight years, and she still married me. This woman loved me in a way I could not comprehend. She faithfully stayed by my side while I did my time. 

Unfortunately, I fell right back into the same things — being unfaithful, using drugs, and running the streets. I was in and out of drug treatment centers, and also another year in prison. So once again, my wife showed me love, mercy, and forgiveness — and she stuck by my side when I did not deserve it. 

About five years ago my wife's mother passed away. We moved to this area to take care of her father, who has dementia. While trying to find herself a church she found the “Sisters of Faith” group at this church and started coming to church. Eventually I started coming, and the way this church family came around me and loved me was amazing. 

The more I attended church, the more I grew and ultimately committed my life to Christ. I was baptized two-and-a-half years ago — and received the love and mercy of Jesus — and now get to show that love and mercy to others. And the only reason that gets to happen is because my wife showed me love and mercy when I did not deserve it. 

Paying forward the love and mercy that God has shown us is what we are called to do. The Bible says, “Be compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” It also says, “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful,” and, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.” Lastly, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 

Love is what I would like you to remember from my story. Remember how important it is to love one another, and in that love show mercy to others — even when it is hard to do so. Please remember the love and mercy God has shown us — and pay it forward! Thank you!” 

Not a person in church that day tuned out as this man was telling his story. As our pastor said afterward, “Jesus changes lives.” And He allows other people to be part of the new story — the journey. Is there a greater privilege? 

Carol Shirk Knapp is the author of "The Preacher's Kid" column.