“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise ye the Lord “(Psalm 117:1-2).

Helen was nearly beside herself. She felt so badly and so guilty for the way she had spoken to her friend. Her remark really wounded the person that Helen had often relied upon throughout the years. Samantha reached out to Helen over twenty years ago when Helen was going through a very difficult time in her life. Neither lady ever married. Both Helen and Samantha cherished their friendship. Two nights ago, Helen had misunderstood Samantha, and instead of getting to the bottom of what Samantha meant, Helen in her offense was rude, harsh, and angry in the words she chose. This morning, Helen apologized to Samantha. Graciously Samantha accepted her apology and explained her actions which were misunderstood. But Helen still felt terrible. Her radio sat on the kitchen counter, and Helen decided to turn it on as she drank her cup of tea. It was set to the Christian radio station which broadcasted in her area. The speaker turned to Psalm 117 and said, “Verse two speaks of the Lord’s merciful kindness. It is great toward us. Friends, I am the recipient of tons and tons of His merciful kindness and truth. I want to learn to treat others in the same merciful kindness.” It was just what Helen needed. She again phoned her friend and assured Samantha that her merciful kindness was really appreciated.

For today: I need to treat others the same way the Lord has treated me—with merciful kindness!