Optimists teach their kids the Golden Rule, but pessimists say that if you’re kind to others they’ll kick you in the face. The lack of civility has become a problem in culture, as more people embrace the pessimists than the optimists. But God’s people align with Christ, no matter how wavering the bright-siders, nor how glum the nay-sayers. Jesus doesn’t merely command mercy, but attaches a promise. We don’t look for reciprocity from other people. The mercy Christ’s followers receive comes from God, the Judge of the universe.