“The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.”
Shakespeare, of course. The entirety:
“The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes The thronèd monarch better than his crown. His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings, But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings. It is an attribute to God himself. And earthly power doth then show likest God’s When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this- That in the course of justice none of us Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy, And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea, Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence ‘gainst the merchant there.”
pamibe 
Such a beautifully gentle photograph showing the delicate flower touched by the gentle and delicate merciful rain drops!
I see this beautifully written and eloquent passage as it speaks to the high and mighty on earth who boast of their earthly rank or power that can poison a heart and soul, truly condemning it; that contrasts what mercy is all about, truly the opposite; so gentle and forgiving!
Being too proud or arrogant is a great danger, which needs to be kept in check by everyone. As Scriptures point out to all; all of us are not worthy by any merits or deeds to enter into the Holiness of God as Scripture tells us, “none are worthy, no not one.” Romans 3: 10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
We have not changed… not since the beginning of time. We are still self-centered and self-serving.
“But… in Jesus Christ… God sent his Son…according to Luke19:10… “to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Instead of judgment—Grace!
Instead of destruction—Salvation!
Instead of death—Life!”
Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely and again, very well stated! 🙂
LikeLike