Jesus may seem harsh when He declares “whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:19). Some of the commandments can get quite specific. Mercy, in our minds, often consists in letting things slide—in being more relaxed about the rules. Surely, if Jesus loved us, He would let a few things slide now and again? But this papering over of things is a false mercy.
Most of us will not be challenged to express our love in obeying commands like “you shall not murder” (not in any serious way). But thoughts of anger, attentiveness to guests, honesty in our business dealings—these come up often, and so we have a chance to show our love. Compare Therese of Lisieux’s little way, “not to do great things, but to do small things with great love.” In giving us even small commandments to obey, Jesus gives us small things to do with great love each day of our lives—and that is a true mercy.