Just Mercy

What is mercy? The dictionary defines mercy as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.

My family and I watched the movie “Just Mercy” over the weekend. The movie was about a man wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to execution. There are so many movies of late that depict injustice, racism, hatred, etc. I don’t like watching too much of such because they can make you conflicted, angry, and sad. We however watched this particular one, maybe the title drew us to it. I am so glad we watched it. I think the title is very telling, because the “just” quantifies the urgency of the plea for mercy.

And what was the plea? A plea to show mercy, compassion, or even forgiveness when it is in your power. I don’t believe forgiveness is the correct ask in this context, as the accused was innocent of the crime. The plot unfolded as a young lady had been brutally killed. The issue was not that someone was made accountable for the crime, the problem unfortunately was that the system was biased and thought nothing of pinning the crime on the wrong person (the black man). The biased system purposely imprisoned the wrong man regardless of the evidence and data points. I have come to the conclusion that we humans are unable and incapable of addressing this poignant issue as we should. I however know the One who can. Jesus. Considering the outcome of the event, I believe Walter McMillian was most likely praying while in prison that Jesus walk the streets of his town and teach the people about true justice, mercy and compassion. I pray today that Jesus will walk the streets and teach on mercy, compassion and love. I am not deluded that He will use those who believe. However if we should fall short in this regard, God will raise up a new non-biased people who will do His bidding. Though some are trying, more has to be done. We as a people are still very divided along racial lines, even in the church of God. All is not lost however, as God Himself is aware that we have this ugly problem. He also knows He has to do something about this, as we cannot say we love God, and not our neighbor.

Because of God I am hopeful that “Just Mercy” will become a footnote someday; yes, someday. It has to be. I am sure that God will banish this evil because it has caused so much ill, and for Him to come for us, we cannot have such ill in our hearts. Thank God!

Linda Faith
Linda is a prolific writer. Her body of work includes inspiring poems, fictional books, and Christian living empowering books. You can find her work on www.amazon.com. Linda is also the pioneer of Joy Women, a platform she employs to inspire women all over the world to be all God has destined them to be. Read more about Linda at www.lindafaith.org.