In his book Experiencing God’s Forgiveness, Luis Palau, tells a story about a mother who once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son.
The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.
“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”
“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied.
“Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.”
“Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son.
Like grace, mercy is fundamental to our faith. To our relationship with the Lord. And to one another.
The words “mercy” or “merciful” are found over 300 times in the Bible. It expresses the character of God, is demonstrated in the life of Christ, and is a Divine quality, we are called upon to practice in all our relationships.
Mercy is rooted in compassion, expressed in kindness, and extends forgiveness. Mercy identifies with the victim, empathizes with their plight and acts to do something about it. You see, mercy is more than just pity. It’s more than a feeling. And it’s not the same as grace. Mercy is compassion for people in need. Richard Lenski makes this distinction; “The noun (mercy) always deals with what we see of pain, misery and distress, that results of sin and (grace) always deals with the sin and guilt itself. The one extends relief, the other pardon; the one cures, heals, helps, and the other cleanses and reinstates.
John R. W. Stott offered this insight. “Mercy is compassion for people in need.” God’s mercy met the needs of people whether in offering salvation, or clemency. Isaiah proclaimed, “For the LORD has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted” (49:13).
Mercy is a plea often expressed by David in the Psalms when he cried, “Be merciful to me, O God” (Ps. 57:1). The Psalmist could pray in assurance because he knew God was “great in mercy.” In Psalm 103:11 he offered this analogy and declaration.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
The Bible is replete with examples of mercy.
- Mercy is found on the Jericho road when a Samaritan felt compassion for a hurting man, bandaged his wounds, and aided in his recovery (Lk. 10:25-37).
- Mercy forgave the prodigal son of his insolent attitude, wasteful habits and sinful lifestyle (Lk. 15:11-32).
- Mercy healed ten lepers of a dreadful disease that made them outcasts of society (Lk. 17:11-19).
- Mercy restored sight to two blind men who cried, “Son of David, have mercy on us (Matt. 9:27-31).
- Mercy forgave the thief on the cross and promised him a Paradise home (Lk. 23:39-42).
- Mercy withholds the punishment we deserve (Eph. 2:4; Jas. 2:13).
There is no greater need and no nobler virtue than the quality of mercy. Jesus, the “merciful and faithful High Priest” (Heb 2:11), calls us to be merciful. In His Mountain Message He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Today, we need more Divine mercy and less hypercritical judgment in our homes, in our churches, and in society in general. Our world is filled with hurting people. Helpless people. Sick people. And sinful people. They need mercy.
Our ministry to “the least of these,” whom Jesus identified in Matthew 25:31-46, require our mercy. Our care. Our compassion. Our attention. Our help.
May the plea of Jesus ring in our ears. “Be merciful, just as your Father in heaven is merciful” (Lk. 6:36).
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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