The other day I read Psalm 130, sometimes referred to by the Latin of the first couple of words, “de profundis” (out of the depths). I have always found vv. 3-4 particularly resonant: “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” It doesn’t use the word ‘mercy’ but it captures the mercy of God. If you aren’t merciful, you not only fail to reflect what God is like but you stand in opposition to him.

I was disgusted to see how Trump and Vance treated their guest, Zelenskyy, on his visit to the White House yesterday. I know Trump has had a career as a negotiator and, possibly, the way he spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart is something which could have been said in private. To speak in public like that to man who was fairly elected and afterwards thrown into a war that was not of his choosing was utterly disgraceful. There is no mercy with Trump but a relentless desire to steal from others for his own betterment.

Those who stand around Trump as ‘Christian advisors’ need to speak to him. Self-aggrandising golden statues are the mark of a person who is likely to be humbled and who will burn in the presence of the holy, wise and merciful God. As I publish this, may I, too, be aware of my own failings. From an earlier Psalm (19:12) “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.”