MERCY
Mercy: the relief of misery.
Proverbs 11: 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
This short presentation of mercy is not the mercy which we receive from God or others. Rather, it is about the mercy we are to give and extend to others.
Synonyms of mercy: pity, sympathy, kindness, and compassion. Mercy is an emotion not so much in response to the individual, but rather to the misery suffered by him. Our mercy for others should not be based upon the question is the misery deserved or undeserved. Whether they brought the affliction upon themselves or is innocently afflicted is not a condition for mercy. For to do so would require us to pass judgment on other men. It may of course be obvious that what the person is suffering is the reaping of what he has sown, but pity should still be felt.
Mostly the world’s idea of mercy is that of “benevolent activity.” Almsgiving to the poor is indeed commended by God, and Jesus gave the warning against the misuse of almsgiving for the purpose of vanity (Matt 6:2-4). But the meaning of mercy goes beyond the contributing of money or goods to charitable societies. Such giving is impersonal. The mercy God desires from us to others is to be personal, for us to have a personal involvement in the relief of misery. A hands-on help. Indeed this is letting our light shine before men.
Another demonstration of mercy in action is seen in courts of law. It is typical that the emotion of mercy plays a great part in the administration of justice. The guilty accused seeks to arouse the mercy of the court or judge, which is a desire to have partiality (pity – leniency) granted and not justice. Mercy is in opposition to the wrath and judgment of God.
The Grief of the Unmerciful
The scribes and Pharisees were merciless in their demands on others of “law keeping.” It is a pitiless life when religion is forced by the commandments and traditions of men. God’s yoke is easy and His burden is light.
“And, for you, the lawyers, alas! because ye lade men with burdens hard to be borne, and, yourselves, with one of your fingers, touch not the burdens. (Lk. 11:46 ROT)
The lack of mercy by men to others has grave consequences. There is the example of the rich man who had no pity on the wretched Lazarus who lay daily at his gates (Luke 16:19-21). Later that same man in hell pleaded for mercy, but was now beyond any relief for his misery and suffering. In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35) we find one who gladly received pity (mercy) but gave none to his fellow servant. He also received just recompense for his cruelty.
Examples and Quality of Mercy
A wonderful story of giving mercy is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). In this story it is demonstrated how mercy was done, the compassion of mercy, and the unquestioning liberality of mercy. The Samaritan was moved by emotion, not by the stranger’s appeal, but by his need of help. His misery moved him. He did not hesitate, he asked no questions, and he met the man’s needs with what he had the ability to do. (It should be added here that recompense for mercy is never to be considered as a motive!) In his mercy the actions of the Samaritan gives answer to two questions; who is my neighbor and how love is demonstrated. Our neighbor is anyone in need and love is exemplified in helping others. Thus mercy is a product of love (agape), kindness.
The wisdom of God (which we are to have) is “full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The wise man understands his need to have mercy for others, with sincerity, and without favoritism. Our mercy is to be with cheerfulness (Rom. 12:8). Thus our acts of merciful kindness are to be done happily, and not grudgingly, as a forced response to simply obey God. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor.9: 7).
Another quality of mercy is that it is meaningful. If a brother comes to us asking for help we should help by providing what is needed to the best of our ability. I have seen and experienced the plea for help and the response given was, “I will pray for you,” and be sent away empty handed. Not that prayer is never welcomed, it is, and we should covet they prayers of others, but when it is used to absolve further responsibility and appease the conscience it is nothing but a sham.
Mercy or Justice?
Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus spoke these words in His Sermon on the Mount.
Luke 6: 36-37, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
We are commanded to be merciful people! If we fail in this duty we stand in jeopardy of a harsh judgment. Both of these scriptures make it clear the seriousness for us to be merciful. Not only will others be benefited by our mercy (who will see your good works and glorify God), but also we ourselves will be greatly benefited. God has promised to respond to us in the same measure as we respond to others. This is the law of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7).
We all love this scripture – Heb 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” But can we seriously believe we may obtain mercy if we deny it to others? Will God ignore our indifference to the misery of others? The evidence is, He will Not! (Heb 10: 28, He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.)
I mentioned the role of mercy in a court of judgment. Mercy and justice oppose each other in many ways. Justice demands, mercy pleads. Justice is harsh and has no pity or sympathy. Mercy desires that which it does not deserved, to have relief, to any degree, from what has been warranted.
Heed the Warning!
James 2:12 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13, For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
We are to conduct ourselves as people who know full well that we will be judged by our actions.
The rules or criteria of our judgment are made clear in this pronouncement by James. How well we have been merciful will determine the mercy we are to receive. Jesus has said, “blessed,” happy, or better put “well spoken of” are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! Thus in the day of our judgment it will go better with us if we show mercy. Mercy holds wonderful joy when it is found in, or over judgment.
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