Romans 9:23

  I am an object of mercy.
  "And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory." NKJV
  "He does this to make the riches of his glory shine brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory." JCB

  A vessel of mercy is more than an object of mercy don't you think?

  Years ago, while attending college in downtown Toronto, a group of us were meandering up Yonge Street after classes like we often did. A frantic man was harassing passersby, crying out for help. Most gave him a wide berth because he appeared to be unstable. Our group included.
  Until I heard him quietly say, with an incredibly deep sorrow and air of defeat in his voice, "Won't somebody please help me?"
  Because I was in a group, because his poignant plea touched my heart, I turned back and cautiously asked him what he needed.
  "I only want to know where the bus station is! I've been standing here for hours and no one has stopped! No one!" he said and wiped his face with his sleeve. "I came from a small town up north to visit the big city yesterday. It's been a nightmare!"
  He shared about having unwittingly gone into some rather questionable bars, that he had been up all night, not knowing where it would be safe to stay, not really knowing where he was. (This was before cell phones and Google.) I wondered if someone hadn't cruelly slipped something into his drink when he wasn't looking.
  Tears filled his eyes, "I don't want money. I have money. All I want to do is go home and never, ever come back!"
  The bus station was only a couple of blocks from where we stood so our group escorted him there. He couldn't thank us enough as tears of relief flowed down his cheeks.
  My friends gave me heck once he'd left for taking such a risk in talking to him. All I could say was it had been the right thing to do. I was, after all, protected by safety in numbers.

  I haven't thought about that in years.
  A few months ago, a woman took the time to guide me out of unfamiliar downtown Hamilton when I felt lost and overwhelmed. It was the day I placed my Uncle into hospice care. This stranger waited for me at a red light, taking a moment out of her busy life to be kind.
  Lord, let me be a vessel of mercy filled to overflowing. Let me show others the same mercy You have shown me. In Jesus' name I pray. AMEN!