“Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.” (Job 36:5)
Typically, the “haves” look down their nose at the “have nots.” The rich despise the poor. The strong despise the weak. The smart despise the stupid. But who is richer, stronger, or smarter than God – and He despises no one.
It is impossible not to see the deficiency in others. We all lack in one area or another. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Through no fault of our own we might have been born blind. Or, we may be where we are, and who we are, by our own series of bad choices.
How should we look at the very imperfect world that surrounds us on a daily basis? What should we think of our stumbling brother, our inept partner, our crusty neighbor? “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (Prov. 14:21)
What makes God so beautiful? Above all, His merciful heart. That He could see us in all our shame, and ugliness, and lack, and still love us enough to help us is what causes us to love Him. If we would be like Him, we must love each other as He has loved us.
No matter what we see, we cannot yield to disgust – we must put on God’s beautiful garments. His mercy triumphs over His judgment. He delights in mercy. He has shown us what is good – that we love mercy.
When we cease to be merciful, we cease to be like God. His mercy endures forever. Yes, He sees what we see. His heart is grieved more than ours by wrong. But He refuses to despise even the worst of sinners. He calls Levi to follow Him. He chooses to eat with Zacchaeus. What others turn from, God turns toward.
Choose to delight in what God delights in. Refuse to be other than God is. Despise not any. Be merciful toward all. You will be happier, and holier, if you do.