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God’s mercy

I have received the very mercy of God. Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature of God himself, made manifest in the life and ministry of Jesus the Messiah, and expected of believers. Because of God’s mercy, compassion and love, God will see me through to the end.

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of the Messiah Jesus.” | Philippians 1:6

I want mercy in my life. Compassion is a wonderful gift from God. I am challenged by Jesus to replicate it in all of my relationships. I am to be a person of mercy. It will bring me happiness and mercy in my own life. Now that is some very good news.

“Happy (aka Blessed) are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” | Matthew 5:7

Paul confessed to the Corinthians that his trials in Asia had almost brought him to despair. In spite of his great gifts and vast experience, Paul was human and subject to human frailties. But how could he lose heart when he was involved in such a wonderful ministry? Would God have entrusted this ministry to him so that he might fail? Of course not! With the divine calling came the divine enabling; he knew that God would see him through. God will see me through as well.

A discouraged Methodist preacher wrote to the great Scottish preacher, Alexander Whyte, to ask his counsel. Should he leave the ministry? “Never think of giving up preaching!” Whyte wrote to him. “The angels around the throne envy you your great work!” That was the kind of reply Paul would have written, the kind of reply all of us need to ponder whenever we feel our work is in vain.

The Greek word here is ἔλεος. It means to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need—‘to show mercy, to be merciful toward, to have mercy on, mercy.’

  • 2 Corinthians 4:1 (NASB) —Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3–5 —But the Master is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Master concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Master direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of The Messiah.

Source:

  1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 641). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
  2. Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 750). New York: United Bible Societies.
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