We often hear about the mercy of God, but what does that mean? One definition of mercy is: “leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency in authority.”[1]
Cain had killed his brother and when the Lord confronted him with his sin, he did not admit what he had done. God knew what he had done yet Cain hardened his heart and would not ask for forgiveness. God demonstrates His mercy to Cain by what He does next.
Genesis 4:10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”
13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!” 15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. [2]
Cain did not deserve to be protected, but in His mercy God did.
We Have a New Life because of God’s Mercy
Like a good father, our Lord encourages us to come to Him and seek Him out. He wants us to depend on Him. He knows we are weak and in continual need of His guidance each day. Hebrews 4:16So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” [3]
God encourages us to come boldly to His throne and when we do, He gives us mercy and His undeserved love to help us when we are desperate. We don’t deserve to be saved, but in the God’s mercy and grace He forgives and saves us! Sometimes we need to think about that and let it sink deep into our souls. Without God’s mercy we would be headed to hell with no possible means of escape. If you know Jesus as your Savior, you are a living example of the mercy of God!
Romans 2:4Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? [4]
To hear more about God’s mercy, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-abel
[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.