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Friday, April 16
(Matt. 5:7 NKJV)
The dictionary defines ‘mercy’ as compassion, pity, or benevolence, or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power.
Vine’s says the Greek word for ‘merciful’ means “not simply possessed of pity but actively compassionate, is used of Christ as a High Priest, Heb 2:17, and of those who are like God, Matt 5:7.”
To ‘obtain mercy’ means to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace), to have mercy on, to succor the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched, to show kindness, by beneficence, or assistance, to feel sympathy with the misery of another, and especially sympathy manifested in act.
Who comes to mind of a modern-day servant of compassion? Mother Teresa! She has been dubbed “an angel of mercy.” She said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
And what did she do? She desperately and consistently tried to fill those needs. Her active mercy-compassion knew no bounds.
Was Jesus merciful and compassionate? Of course, He was. Scripture says, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them.” (Matt. 9:36 NKJV) Several other times, scripture says Jesus was filled with compassion for an individual.
So, how are we God’s hands of mercy to others? Are we actively seeking to be compassionate to all those that cross our paths? Do we go out of our way to show God’s kindness, sympathy, and assistance to one suffering in life? Sure, we may do so for family, friends, or even for some strangers. But what about our enemies, those who offend us? Hmmm, another matter, isn’t it?
As we are to follow Jesus’ example, we can apply to ourselves what Jesus said to Peter in a parable, “Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” (Matt. 18:33 NKJV)
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV)
In need of mercy? Reach out to another. As the verse says, those who are merciful will receive mercy.
William Shakespeare wrote…
“The quality of mercy is not strain’d;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
May you and another be blessed as you spread mercy and compassion today!
Yes, Lord!
Kimberly, You s-o-o-o-o bless my heart! You are such a faithful follower. Thank you so much. May the Lord bless you!
Thank You Sweet Lynn for reminding us of the blessings of being merciful to one and other. Love You!
Lynn,
Mercy is a much overworked word - where people pray for mercy, but do not have much themselves.
In terms of compassion sadly, there is a lack of it around. Lip service is paid, but millions still suffer!
Jesus sends us out to tend his flock, how good are we really? Do we stick to those in the fold, or do we go seeking the one lost sheep?
I try - but sometimes struggle, so how about others who just don't bother?
If the world was full of compassion for each other and for all of God's creatures, the Kingdom of God would be here on earth!
This is great Lynnie G. Mercy is a word we rarely use in everyday vocabulary; we opt for words like
patience, compasion, kindness, etc, but without Mercy (from a higher source, there could be no such thing). I had the pleasure of working with @MercyCorps while they were in Haiti (long story) but I got to see real Mercy at work. It was so
incredible almost seemed supernatural, though it was as natural as a running brook. Amazing how we grow up with thwarted messages. Love x0 Rick and Lee
Lee, Thank you for taking time to read what I write. You always bless me!
Ricky-boy, Sounds like you were faced with true mercy. How awesome that you got to work with MercyCorps! Seeing someone hand out compassion gives us impetus to do the same.
Blessings on you both! Love you!
UKV, I'm so glad you stopped by. And yes, I totally agree with what you've said. So true! Thanks for your comment. Blessings to you!
I learned a similar lesson from a small child filling plastic packs for Haiti this morning. Thank you.
Lynn,
What a wonderful post! Thank you. I especially love the Vine's definition. We must be proactive to demonstrate mercy, not just posess a feeling of mercy/pity.
Susan
I enjoyed looking over your blog. I found your profile on another blog I follow and I added myself to follow you. You are more than welcome to visit my blog and become a follower if you want to.
God Bless You, Ron
Amen and amen, Miss Lynn. The mercy we receive is the very mercy we should give.
very attractive and nice blog ...i really like this one .
Always a blessing reading your posts, Lynn! The Lord speaks through your words to our hearts what we need to hear. May we strive to be God's hands of mercy to others!
Beautiful . . . the last couple of months a strong focus has been on God's mercy. It is great toward us
Psalm 57:10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.
We are often far harder on each other and ourselves than God is on us.
Rachel
Oh, wow! Sheila, that is awesome! Don't you love those lessons? Blessings to you!
Susan, You are so right! Thanks, sweetie, for stopping by. I so appreciate your comments! Love you!
Thanks so much, Old Geezer! I appreciate your taking time to read and comment. I'm honored. Blessings to you!
Hey, Billy-boy! I am so honored to have you visit! Thanks for dropping by! Be blessed!
Term Papers, So glad to have you visit. It blesses me. Thank you! Be blessed!
Hey, sweet Connie! You always warm my heart with your presence. Thank you! Blessings to you!
Rachel, You are so right! I appreciate your stopping by and commenting. Bless you!