Mercy Given is Mercy Received

“And how much do you owe?” He said, “A hundred measures of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and write eighty.” 
Lk.16:7

In the parable of the shrewd manager Jesus shows how dispensing mercy and grace can attract mercy and grace.

There is something about mercy that overrides its motivation. In this parable the shrewd manager is clearly attempting to feather his own nest, and with his masters assets. Yet, mercy given is mercy received and it is beautiful regardless. 

I'm reminded of a court case where the mother of a child who was killed by the reckless driving of a young man forgave the young man, not because she wanted to but because she felt obliged to as a Christian. The young man was remorseful, to the extent that he went to high schools in his city to share his story and plead with his peers to not make the mistakes he made.  

In the months following, the young man and the family of the child reconciled. The family started helping the young  man get back on track with his life. He had come from a broken home. The mother is quoted as saying she is so grateful the episode hadn't resulted in two lives being destroyed.

Mercy given is mercy received.