Love and Mercy

I went to the theater and saw "Love and Mercy," the story of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Well, it was really two stories requiring two actors to play Brian Wilson. Paul Dano played Brian in the 1960s during his descent into substance abuse and mental illness, and John Cusack played Brian in the 1980s at the time of his rescue from drug addiction.

It's a powerful story of loss and redemption. There's nothing specifically spiritual or Christian about it, but it's a modern parable of good gifts lost and recovered 20 years later because of love and mercy.

And that story has captivated me for the past few weeks. I can't get it out of my mind. It reminds me of all the millions of lost people who Jesus found, forgave, cleaned up, put back on their feet, and gave a fresh start and a reason to live. It reminds me that no amount of scolding, condemnation, criticism, vilification, or disapproval can lead someone to faith in Christ. It reminds me of the old adage, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

You see, it was his future wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who loved him when he was unlovable and over medicated by an evil and controlling therapist. She took action to get Brian out of the therapist's greedy hands. And with appropriate therapy, and some love and mercy, Brian was reborn.

Click here to hear Brian sing the movie's title song.

The lyrics say it all:

I was sittin' in a crummy movie
With my hands on my chin
all the violence that occurs
Seems like we never win

Love and mercy that's what you need tonight
Love and mercy to you and your friends tonight

I was lying in my room
And the news came on TV
A lotta people out there hurtin'
And it really scares me

Love and mercy that's what you need tonight
Love and mercy to you and your friends tonight

I was standing in a bar
And watching all the people there
Oh the loneliness in this world
Well it's just not fair

Love and mercy that's what we need tonight
Love and mercy to you and your friends tonight

Love and mercy. That's what I need. It's what you need. And it's what everyone needs. And the best source for true love and real mercy is our Lord Jesus Christ. May his love and mercy set you free from whatever is holding you in thrall. And may his love and mercy be spread from you to everyone else in your circle of influence.

Love and mercy that's what we need tonight.