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To Show Mercy

By Laraine Rose

THERE is a saying, "Virtue is its own reward." That saying is well meant, for he who is virtuous with an eye to material reward is not really virtuous. However, God’s Word assures us that God also rewards virtue, that is, goodness and right doing. In fact, the apostle Paul states that to please God we must believe not only that He exists but that He rewards those earnestly seeking Him. (Heb. 11:6) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made the same point in his Sermon on the Mount when he said: "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy." -Matt. 5:7.

To many persons the word "mercy" has only the legal sense of not exacting the full penalty that justice requires. Thus to commute a death sentence to one of life imprisonment is deemed an act of mercy. God’s Word often uses "mercy" with this connotation. But "mercy" has also another meaning, that of showing kindness or compassion, consideration to deserving or needy ones, and it is with this meaning that the word "mercy" is used most frequently in the Bible, in both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

When Jesus, in connection with his parable of the Good Samaritan, asked which one "made himself neighbor to the man that fell among the robbers," he was answered, "The one that acted mercifully toward him." Obviously, here it was a matter not of tempering justice with leniency or being forgiving, but rather of showing compassion to a victim of misfortune, the man who had been beaten and robbed. (Luke 10:36, 37) And so we repeatedly find in the Gospels that victims of misfortune or those in need begged Jesus to have mercy on them, not having in mind that he should forgive them, should exact less than justice from them, but that he should relieve them of their sufferings.

Examples of Mercy Shown

Does God truly show mercy to those who are thus merciful? Historical facts show that what God’s Word says about this is truth. A striking example of how God showed mercy in the sense of compassion to one who had shown this quality is seen in the Bible record of Tabitha or Dorcas. It tells
us that she "abounded in good deeds and gifts of mercy" to the poor. When she happened to fall sick and die, those who had benefited from her mercies sent for the apostle Peter. He, by means of God’s holy spirit, was able to bring her back to life - certainly a great mercy to her. -Acts 9:36-43.

Another example of the application of Jesus' words at Matthew 5:7 is seen in the case of Cornelius, a Roman officer living in Caesarea. He was 'devout and fearing God and made many gifts of mercy to the Jews as well as praying to God continually.' God showed him consideration; He answered his prayers. God rewarded him for the mercies he had shown by allowing him to become the first Gentile convert to true Christianity. This meant that the merits of Christ's ransom sacrifice were applied on his behalf, he became a spirit-begotten follower of Jesus Christ and had the hope set before him of everlasting life in the heavens. -Acts 10:1, 2, 42-48.

God, in his great love, consideration and compassion, causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall upon the wicked and the righteous. And "by God’s undeserved kindness" not only did Jesus "taste death for every man" but God made provision that "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out," "both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Heb. 2:9; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) But to benefit fully from God’s undeserved kindnesses, to continue to enjoy them, to keep on being the recipients of his mercies, persons must also be merciful. They must make it a practice to show kindness or
compassion to their fellowman.

Jesus' illustration of the sheep and goats as found at Matthew 25:31-46, and which parable is having fulfillment in our day, makes a similar point regarding the importance of mercy. Therein Jesus tells of some, the sheeplike ones, who showed many kindnesses, mercies, who manifested compassion to him in that they did so to his "brothers." How did they show such merciful compassion? By feeding Christ's spiritual brothers when hungry, clothing them when in need of covering, visiting them when sick and when in prison. Because of having done all these things Jesus says they will be shown kindness, favor and consideration: "Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world." And in particular will they be shown compassion in that God will protect them in the day of his anger.

Ways to Show Mercy

Within one’s community and family circle there are also opportunities to show mercy. There may be some who are depressed, discouraged, timid or shy. To "speak consolingly to the depressed souls" is indeed extending mercy, and in doing so one can expect to receive mercy in that "the generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." (1 Thess. 5:14; Prov. 11:25) Not that such gifts of mercy are limited to spiritual things. As the apostle John shows, Christians are also to show love by giving of material things to people in need. -1 John 3:17, 18.

Christians are to be willing to show mercy to one another, and they are also counseled to do it cheerfully. "He that shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness," wrote the apostle Paul. Yes, we are to do this, "not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Showing mercy with cheerfulness is a mercy, a kindness; it shows compassion in itself because it makes the acceptance of the mercy more pleasant. Can we help people who needs upbuilding spiritually or who have fallen into need materially? -Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 9:7.

In addition to receiving mercy from God for showing mercy we can also hope to receive mercy from those to whom we have shown mercy when the ‘shoe is on the other foot,’ as the saying goes. This is indicated by Jesus’ words: "Practice giving, and people will give to you." -Luke 6:38.

Along with our showing compassion and kindnesses to needy ones, either spiritually or in a material way, our mercy should, of course, include being forgiving. Thus Jesus in one of his parables has the master say to a slave who had been forgiven a large sum he owed but refused to forgive a small debt owed him: "Wicked slave, I canceled all that debt for you, when you entreated me. Ought you not, in
turn, to have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had mercy on you?" In conclusion Jesus said: "In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with you if you do not forgive each one his brother from your hearts."

Oh my! I see another intel coming from this ... "Let's be Forgiving!" (watch for it)

Contributor's Note

Photo Credit:
"Migrant Mother" - 1936 (Dorothea Lange, photographer). Library of Congress FSA/OWI Collection. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Owens_Thompson

PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE

The Great Irish Famine
The Great Irish Famine and loss of life.
www.squidoo.com/TheIrish

		Anna Young liked this intel. Jul 18, 2011
		R Foreman liked this intel. Jul 18, 2011

Mercy is indeed a virtue we should all cultivate. Mercy shown is mercy received.

Thank you marycarol, that is what I believe also.

What a pity that you brought the Bible into this otherwise excellent piece of writing.

It is a fact that we know very little of what God intended for mankind and even less of the teachings of His son while He lived among us on Earth. Jesus spent over 28 years living anonymously among men. In all that time there are no records of His behaviour, His teachings or of His standard of living. (Don't forget, because of His gifts of gold, frankinsence and myrhh, he was a very wealthy baby although Christians seem to ignore this fact.)

I do not believe that God insists upon people believing in Him to grant them mercy. I believe that anybody who lives according to the values that He espoused will be treated the same as the most devout Christian.

The power of mercy is not strained nor the condemnation of man absolute. Only God can see into your heart - only He can judge.

Theoldcoot, I just knew I'd have a great comment on this intel from you. I agree with you that the power of mercy is not strained nor the condemnation of man absolute and that only He can judge.

Example of your correctness:
There is a tradition that says Isaiah was bloodthirstily sawn asunder by wicked King Manasseh, and that it was this vile deed that prompted Paul's expression, "they were sawn asunder." However that may be, the above words of Isaiah would perfectly fit the evil reign of Manasseh. He built up the high places, erected altars to Baal, used spirit mediums and professional foretellers of events, put altars for star worship in the courtyards of God's temple and even put in the temple one of the A.she′rah images, and he made his own son a flaming sacrifice to Molech. Manasseh seduced Judah "to do what was bad more than the nations whom God had annihilated." God said: "He has acted more wickedly than all that the Amorites did that were prior to him and he proceeded to make even Judah sin with his dungy idols." -Heb. 11:37; 2 Ki. 21:9, 11.

This Judaean king who abused his power by shedding innocent blood in great quantity, when a prisoner in Babylon, repented and prayed for forgiveness and was forgiven. 2 Chronicles 33:12,13.

As you can see, it was God who did the judging and He expressed forgiveness.
--
NOW, as to it being "a pity" to bring the Bible into my writing.

One guide that has stood the test of time is the Bible. It offers practical advice on many of the subjects self-help guides deal with and more. It has moved millions to act on the counsel: “Be made new in the force actuating your mind . . . Put on the new personality.” (Ephesians 4:23, 24) The Bible provides wise insight into what causes our problems and teaches us how to cope with them. Most important, it provides powerful and practical motivation for doing what is right. My next intel will explain how this is so.

I think this is a great article. Anyone who would have to pity this article based on the bible needs some pity themselves. The bible is not only a great book, but one that can teach something to those who don't even believe it. Once again, well done.

Thank you, Silver, and welcome to Qondio where we don't always agree but respect the other person's privilege of saying so.

Although not a Christian personally, I believe you have every right to write from a Christian perspective. You have done so admirably. Five stars.

June Campbell Jul 3, 2010 14:38

appreciated

Is there a law against praising someone but qualifying the praise?

I really despair when people do not understand what they read or want to control their knee-jerk reactions.

1 - This article by Laraine is excellent - and I said so - I also expressed my regret that it was felt necessary to introduce the Bible. Strange that no-one attempted to answer my question about the wealth of the infant Jesus and the missing 28 years of His life.

2 - I did not say that the author should not write from a Christian perspective so I have no idea where that came from. Read my comment again and you will see that it, also, is from a Christian perspective.

The great mercy of God is that you do not have to be a Christian to receive it, you only have to live like one. It is equally true that no other religion states that its God will only reward those that worship that God.

Mercy is a huge river that flows through our lives. It is neither rare nor unusual.

1. Thank you for your "excellent" rating. I do not apologize for introducing the Bible into this subject for, as a christian, "christian" meaning "Christ-like," I do try to support my statements by quoting the Bible (as Jesus himself quoted many times the Bible writers who lived before him).

Respectfully, I want to reply to your comment of Jesus' gifts as a baby. Although there is no mention in the Bible records of where that wealth was spent, there is other mention of his lack of wealth.

Jesus was not distracted by a pursuit of riches. As a result, he did not live a life of wealth. He did not even have his own home. On one occasion, he said: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.” (Matthew 8:20) When Jesus died, the only recorded thing of value that he owned was the garment over which the Roman soldiers cast lots. (John 19:23, 24)

Paul said: “You know the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich he became poor for your sakes, that you might become rich through his poverty.” (2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-8) Although materially poor, Jesus opened the door for humble individuals to enjoy everlasting life in perfection. How grateful we are to him! And how we rejoice in the reward he received because he kept his focus on doing God’s will! -Psalm 40:8; Acts 2:32, 33, 36.

I did mention in my intel about God's mercy to ALL. However, in order to benefit from that mercy one has to put out their hand and receive it. (I have more scriptures to support this statement, if you want them. LOL)

I guess opinions are opinions, someone expressed theirs and I expressed mine. There is no need for someone to try and prove what they did or didn't say. Or for someone to make themselves seem superior in knowledge. I guess the phrase "pity that you brought the Bible into this" shows how much a person is lacking in wisdom. I'm done with comments on this article.

Silver, I welcome ALL comments on this intel. Thank you for yours.

Excellent intel with incredible images, thank you. I have always loved the words and meanings to grace and mercy; kindness and compassion. ***** stars!

Thank you, Diana, for your most gracious comment. AND the 5*s!!!
Thanks again,
Laraine

Excellent Intel on "To Show Mercy". I also appreciate how you brought this out in your examples from the Bible. We have so many wonderful stories awaiting us in the Bible. I have been encouraged today and hope others will be as well.

I have been remiss in replying to your very kind comment. I agree "wonderful stories awaiting us in the Bible."

The Bible is the most widely distributed book in all history, and many cherish it. Oaths are sworn on it in courts of law, and officials take oaths of office with their hand upon it. In my opinion, knowledge of the Bible constitutes the most important education one can receive.

Beautiful and timely intel. I was blessed with an experience today that had me not only feeling loved, but feeling LOVE and I feel within my heart of hearts that it is recognizing God's mercy in my life that is encouraging me to show that mercy to others. Even this intel strengthens the experience I've had today. I'm looking forward to your post on forgiveness. :)

I'm sorry, Karla, that I have taken so long to write a thank you.

Many will agree that the world would be a better place if more people read the Bible and lived by what it says. It sounds like you have experienced this.

Thank you for your comment.

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