The Measure You Use: The Freedom of Mercy

Scripture References:

• Daniel 9:4b-10
• Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13

• Luke 6:36–38

Today’s readings lead us into something powerful, something that speaks directly to the condition of our hearts.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel, “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you” (Luke 6:38). This is not a casual statement — it is a spiritual law. The way we treat others does not simply affect them; it shapes us. If we hold on to harshness, we will struggle to receive mercy. If we refuse to forgive, we will find it difficult to be forgiven.

This truth echoes throughout Scripture. In the first reading, Daniel confesses on behalf of the people:

“We have sinned, been wicked, and done evil” (Daniel 9:5).

He does not pretend innocence. He does not make excuses. He acknowledges the failure of his people, but he does not stop there — he also proclaims the truth about God:

“But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!” (Daniel 9:9).

The people’s sin does not change God’s nature. He remains merciful. The question is not whether God is willing to forgive, but whether His people are ready to receive that forgiveness.

The same principle is at work in our own lives. When we refuse to forgive others, we close off a part of our hearts. We build walls. We become hardened. And a hardened heart struggles to receive grace — not because God withholds it, but because we become incapable of letting it in.

The psalm today pleads,

“Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins” (Psalm 79:8).

We want God to treat us with mercy, not strict justice. But do we extend that same mercy to others? If we demand full justice from those who have wronged us, are we prepared for God to demand the same from us?

Jesus makes it clear:

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Mercy is not just something we ask for; it is something we must live. It is not an emotion; it is a decision. A choice to let go, to release, to stop keeping track of offenses. This is not easy. Sometimes, the wounds are deep. Sometimes, justice is due. But if we cling to harshness, if we refuse to let go of the debts others owe us, then our hearts remain locked. And a locked heart cannot receive the mercy God is so eager to pour out.

Imagine standing before God, hands clenched tightly around the wrongs done to us. How can we receive His mercy if our hands are full of grievances? Mercy is given to those who have learned to give it. Not because God is stingy with forgiveness, but because only an open heart can receive it.

So today, Jesus is calling us to examine our hearts. Is there someone we have refused to forgive? Is there a grudge we are holding onto? Lent is a time to let go, to unclench our hands, to open our hearts. Because in the end, the measure we use for others will be the measure used for us.

And if we long for mercy, we must first become merciful.

If today you stood before God, would you want Him to judge you with the same mercy — or the same harshness — with which you have judged others?