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God’s mercy

Mercy is a word that we often hear in the context of religion, but it is also a quality that can benefit us in our everyday lives. Mercy means to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to those who have wronged us or are in need of help. Mercy is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and maturity. Mercy reflects the heart of God, who is rich in mercy and loves us with an everlasting love.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches us to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. He says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:37-38)

Jesus shows us what mercy looks like in action. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, welcomed the outcasts, and forgave the sinners. He did not discriminate or reject anyone who came to him for help. He did not repay evil with evil, but with good. He did not hold grudges or seek revenge, but prayed for his enemies. He did not demand justice, but offered grace. He did not save himself, but gave his life for us.

We are called to follow his example and show mercy to others as he has shown mercy to us. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We are called to be peacemakers and reconcilers, not troublemakers and dividers. We are called to be generous and cheerful givers, not selfish and greedy hoarders. We are called to be humble and gentle, not proud and harsh.

When we show mercy to others, we are not only blessing them, but also ourselves. We are freeing ourselves from bitterness, resentment, anger, and hatred that can poison our souls and rob us of joy. We are opening ourselves to receive more of God’s mercy and grace that can heal our wounds and restore our relationships. We are becoming more like Christ, who is the image of the invisible God.

Showing mercy is not always easy or convenient. It may require us to sacrifice our time, money, comfort, or reputation. It may challenge us to face our fears, prejudices, or biases. It may test our patience, endurance, or faith. But it is always worth it. Showing mercy is always pleasing to God and beneficial to us.

Let us pray that God would give us a merciful heart like his own. Let us ask him to help us see others as he sees them, with compassion and love. Let us seek his guidance and strength to show mercy in every situation and circumstance. Let us remember his promise that blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

  • Micah 6:8 — 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does Yahweh require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?
  • Zechariah 7:9 — 9 “Thus has Yahweh of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother;
  • Matthew 5:7 — 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
  • Matthew 9:13 — 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
  • Luke 10:27–37 — 27 And he answered, “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
  • James 2:12–13 — 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.