Driving down the interstate yesterday, a car swerved around us as we merged into oncoming traffic from the ramp. We were up to speed, but the driver behind us still saw the need to veer last minute, causing my husband to brake hard to avoid the potential of a collision. I can’t speak to why the other driver maneuvered ahead instead of waiting to pass a few seconds later. It would have kept multiple people much safer, not to mention the financial damage and stress it might have prevented long-term.

The incident reminded me of a verse in Luke 6:35:

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 

Sometimes in the busyness of my days, I forget just how much God has loved me—an ungrateful and evil being. I judged that driver as he past my car yesterday, and rightfully, he probably should have waited. It wasn’t safe to pass at that time, but I forget I’m not all too different from the selfish, prideful being that zoomed beyond my vehicle. I, too, reach points of ingratitude. I, too, am led at times by evil thoughts and desires.

When I reflect on God’s love, I come to a point of grace for others. This doesn’t excuse their wrong. God shows us kindness without dismissing justice. In the same way, I can demonstrate the love I’ve received from Him with mercy for the undeserving.

I see the collision course they’re headed upon and that should give me a level of compassion beyond the comprehension of the average passerby. My extension of mercy isn’t self-compelled, it’s Christ-compelled. I couldn’t do this on my own. I understand the depths of grace, and the forgiveness I’ve received. In that mercy, I also grasp God’s justice. There will be a day for it, but as long as He sees fit to offer compassion to the undeserving, who am I to do any less (2 Peter 3:9).