It has been said that there is no moral code more basic than the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20, 1-17). Along with almost every legal system in the world, the Commandments condemn stealing, killing, adultery, and blasphemy. But it might help us to set the Commandments (given to Moses and our Israelite ancestors) alongside Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13, 18-23). The point being that our morality is more than just a fence or perimeter against wrongdoing, or merely a set of “Thou shalt nots.” Christian morality rises to a new level: is essentially linked to growth and development. It is ideally tied in with bearing the fruit of positive goodness – as God desires.
Take note that there is no moral code or world religion that stresses the mercy of the Divine (God) as much as the Bible does, nor does any other propose so much care for strangers and aliens. Meanwhile, the parables of Jesus challenge us to be generous, growing daily in our willingness to share with all other people that which we have received from God, i.e., His mercy and kindness. There is an overall generosity about the Bible which inspires us and makes mercy central to the future of the human race.
“Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.”
