Summary of Mercy
Mercy is a concept found throughout Christian scripture. In the Bible, it is explained as God’s loving kindness toward humankind, and it is often seen as being in distinction from justice. In other words, mercy is favor, grace, or compassion given out of one’s power to do whatever she or he pleases.
Scriptural Definition
Scripturally speaking, mercy is an attitude of compassion and kindness that is often expressed in different ways. The Hebrew word for mercy is rahamim, which means to “to have pity or compassion on, be gracious to, give favor to.” Jesus made mercy a primary part of his teachings, even showing mercy to those who did not necessarily deserve it. This attitude of mercy–or “divine loving-kindness”–is a powerful one.
Examples of Mercy Found In the Bible
Throughout the Bible, we read many examples of the mercy of God. In the Old Testament, Moses prayed on behalf of the Hebrew people, asking God to remember his mercy and forgive them for their sins. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus remarked to Peter, “for your compassion, I will show you much mercy” (Matthew 15:22). This mercy is used to describe God’s loving kindness, even in the face of desperation or peril.
Mercy In Contemporary Culture
Mercy still has relevance in the modern era. For instance, people commonly seek mercy from their peers or authority figures when they feel they have not been treated fairly or compassionately. In contemporary culture, mercy is often used to express a deep understanding of someone else’s struggles and an encouragement to take action to improve the situation.
Returning Mercy
The Bible teaches that mercy is an attribute of God and one that should be shown to others. Many scriptures instruct believers to imitate the mercy of God in their lives, towards others and towards yourself. By showing mercy to those around us, we are creating a more just and compassionate world.
Implications of Mercy
The implications of mercy are far reaching. A world that embraces mercy is more just and forgiving; it is a place where people believe in each other and can rely on the strength of moral character. The application of mercy teaches people to have a closer relationship to God, as well as to their fellow human beings. It can result in the breaking down of barriers between people of different faiths or backgrounds, and act as a tool to bring peace to a broken world.
Practicing Mercy
There are various ways to practice mercy in everyday life. The simplest approach is to look for opportunities to show compassion, patience, and kindness towards others. The act of forgiving someone for mistakes or wrongdoings—even if it is not deserved—can assist in the cultivating a deeper sense of mercy. Offering emotional and physical support the elderly, homeless, or disabled can be an effective way to show mercy and teach others what it looks like in action.
Mercy Connected to Forgiveness
In Christianity, mercy is closely connected to forgiveness. We all need to be forgiven for our mistakes, and showing mercy towards others–even if it is not deserved–can teach us to be more forgiving of ourselves and of others. The concept of mercy is strong within Christianity, as many scriptures encourage believers to forgive one another and rely on God’s mercy in their day-to-day lives.
Mercy and Judgment
Some have argued that mercy should lead to understanding and forgiveness, while justice should be left in God’s hands. However, most scriptures focus on both aspects equally, as God is both just and forgiving. This means that we are expected to embrace mercy—but not to the point of suggesting that judgment doesn’t matter. Instead, mercy should be given with a healthy dose of discernment and care.
Mercy and Justice Working Together
In order for mercy to actually be effective, it must be accompanied by justice. We must hold people accountable for their wrongdoings, but also learn how to forgive and extend compassion when warranted. Ultimately, mercy and justice should be seen as two sides of the same coin. They both play an important role in Christian scripture, and by developing an understanding of each concept and learning how to practice it in our lives, we can bring about healing, reconciliation, and personal and spiritual growth.
Mercy and Faith
Finally, mercy and faith go hand in hand. Mercy is evidence of our belief in a higher power; it is the manifestation of our faith in God. To have mercy means to have faith that God is indeed merciful—and that forgiveness, mercy and justice are indeed possible. Through sincere prayer and an effort to understand mercy, we can find faith in God and in his mercy.
