“Who is a God like You pardoning iniquity, overlooking transgression, for the remnant of His heritage? He will not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.”

‭‭Micah‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭TLV‬‬

When Vance and I were first married, one of our favorite things to do was to find a single person or young family and pay for their dinner. We loved watching surprise cross their faces and at times, tears fill their eyes with gratitude. We expanded our practice with our kids to do random acts of kindness at stores or in the Starbucks line. Random, surprise, unexpected blessings brought so much joy to us – the giver – and, from what we could tell, to the receiver. 

It’s the memory that came to mind today when I read this passage. I remember the face of an old man we blessed in Roanoke. We were at the original Babes. He sat with such dignity, smiled at the waitress, and ate mostly in silence. When someone told him we paid for his meal, he glanced around,  spoke softly to the waitress, and left shortly after. We came to find out he had just lost his wife. It was one of the most joyful – and memorable – giving experiences we’ve had to date. 

As I remember that feeling today while meditating on this passage, it gives me pause as I ponder that G-d delights in mercy.

He delights – ḥāp̄ēṣ – takes pleasure in  ḥeseḏ – kindness – specially lovingkindness. 

Wait – He delights – He finds pleasure in being KIND to me? It brings Him joy?? 

The book of Micah is hard. It’s about coming judgment and desolation. And it closes with this above – a reminder that G-d, first and foremost – is kind. And He DELIGHTS – takes pleasure in – being kind to me and to you. Why? Because He’s just that good. 

I don’t know about you, but the very thought makes me smile today. 

Father – thank You for Your Word and how You speak day after day. Thank You for your kindness to me and my family. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Micah 1-7

July 14, 2022