Gentleness
When the guilty are humble, they are miserable to behold. Due wrath, a terrible and unyeilding justice, gives them failure of heart. A harsh response, a rough forgiveness strained through a stubborn wound, gives them little relief. However, a whole forgiveness, expressed in such a way that casts out all fear, restores the broken.
When the guilty are restless, in a fury of panic, they are dangerous to be around. Gripping arrest, a safemaking, looses a greater, and more animal passion. Shocked retreat, an abandonment in presence and concern, leaves the captives in prison. However, a gentle approach, an acceptance of personal disaster, reaches into the eye of the storm.
When the guilty are spiteful, they are abominidable to consider. Awesome judgement, the fist provoked, gives victory to death. A patient cursing, a noted endurance, gives, for a home, blessed graves. However, absolute tenderness, an inconsiderate peace, overcomes the ascending rage.
Mercy that would pursue the lowly, the beastly, and the evil, though it is the smallest of all fruits, grows to be the greatest of them all. Mercy triumphs over judgement!
John 8:10-11, Proverbs 15:1, 1 John 4:18-19, Luke 23:34, Romans 5:8, 2 Peter 3:11-12, James 3:18; 5:19-20, Jude 22-23, Mark 4:30-32, James 2:13