Okay, time to get down to business.  Folks, the truth of the matter is, God has chosen you to be a part of His network … one of His special agents.  What’s your assignment?  He wants you to be an “agent of mercy” – an “agent of mercy” – to the people around you.   

What’s the best way to do that in today’s world?  Let me put it this way: As the world becomes more unkind, more mean, more crass … we need to become more kind.  That’s what it means to be an “agent of mercy.”

Let me ask you this:  Is the world today becoming more loving or more self-centered?  Is the world today more polite than it was ten years ago or more rude?  Politics … more unified or more divided?  Don’t even get me started!

So here’s the big breakthrough thought for you:  In a mean world, our greatest witness to the world is showing mercy. 

Would you say this?  Dear God, I want to be an “agent of mercy.”  So, Lord, help me to start looking and listening for people’s needs.  If I care, I have to be aware.  Help me to see the needs of people at work, at school, with the people I hang around with.