MERCY

I recently came across a post on social media, that deeply troubled me. A mother, presumably a Christian, was expressing her distress over her teenage child, who was taking a decision to become an atheist. She labeled her child with harsh terms and sought help from the public, to help convince her daughter that she was demonic. This post struck a chord with me, because I, too, grew up in a very religious home where Christianity was introduced to me by force. This approach made me resent the faith rather than embrace it. The more it was nailed in me, the more I didn't want anything to do with it.

This experience has inspired me to write about the importance of showing mercy to both believers and non-believers.

 I believe Mercy is an important aspect of our faith, and it is something we should extend to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or actions. As biblical based Christians, it is no news that throughout the scriptures, we've come across verses that emphasize the importance of mercy.

Here are some that resonated deeply with me: 

- Luke 6:36 "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

- Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."

- James 2:13 "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

- Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

- Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

- Psalm 103:8 "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

- Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

As I am sure there are many others, but how plain could these get? 

Now, in a world where everything is happening so fast; you get a frustration here, an exhaustion there, an irritation here, a misunderstanding there and so on, it's easy to lose the grip on our own self control and rather than looking at the situation for what it is, we start analysing it with our momentary emotional state( it's not always the case but majority of the time rather). 

So, what is mercy?

Understanding Mercy

1) compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

2) an event to be grateful for, because it prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering.

Biblical View

Mercy is when God, out of His lovingkindness, withholds punishment that we rightfully deserve because of our sin.

Now, before parents start saying, well the bible says spare the rod and spoil the child. Remember the same bible also says do not provoke your children to anger. God is not a partial God. To Him we are all children and therefore answerable to Him. Whether in Justice or in Mercy, His judgement is always true. 

What are some ways one can exercise Mercy?

Examples:-

1) Offering a kind word to someone who is struggling rather than showing impatience 

2) Creating an environment where people feel safe to admit mistakes and ask for help.

3) If you think it's a sin (Pray for God's mercy over the situation) 

And so on...

Jesus Christ act of Mercy.

Jesus Christ himself demonstrated Mercy in so many ways. One of the most powerful examples of mercy in the Bible is the story of the woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders brought her to Jesus, expecting Him to condemn her. Instead, Jesus said, "Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7). One by one, her accusers left, and Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This story beautifully illustrates how Jesus showed mercy and compassion, even when others were quick to judge.

Conclusion,

Jesus Christ taught us that people will know we are His disciples if we love one another (John 13:35). Loving one another includes showing mercy. Let's strive to be merciful, just as our Father in heaven is merciful. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world.

Shalom.

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@Talitha Cumi

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