The mercy of God is kindness that we don’t deserve. Have you ever needed mercy? In the Bible, God’s mercy means His pity, compassion, and kindness toward people. His mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation, and God continues to show mercy in forgiveness.[1] His love for us is at the heart of God’s mercy, which is beyond our understanding.
As believers in Jesus, the Lord wants us to show mercy and kindness to others even when they don’t deserve it. The world may say that retaliation is justified, but the Lord tells us to extend the olive branch of mercy. As we walk through life, we have opportunities to show mercy to others; when we do, it brightens our day and those around us.
Mary is Thankful for God’s Mercy
As Mary sings her song of praise to the Lord for being the mother of the Savior, she praises the Lord for His mercy. Luke 1:50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. [2] The Lord shows compassion to each generation and everyone who fears Lord. The fear of God in this context is righteous fear. Proverbs 9:10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. [3] Judgment is receiving what we deserve, but mercy is receiving what we don’t deserve. None of us deserve God’s mercy, but it is a gift of a loving Savior.
Jesus is Rich in Mercy
Paul tells the church in Ephesus that the Lord is rich and is so rich in mercy that He died for our sins. Jesus took our place on the cross and took the punishment we deserved. Ephesians 2: 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)[4] The Lord desires salvation so everyone can receive His grace and mercy. Isaiah 45:22Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. [5]
Prayer
I praise You, O Lord, because You are rich in mercy. You show mercy generously, consistently, and joyfully. Your mercy claims and transforms me. It gives me hope. It gives me the confidence to press on when I have made a mess of my life. How I thank and praise You today for Your mercy! Amen.[6]
To learn more about the mercy of God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-anxiety-to-adoration
[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-mercy-why-is-it-important.html
[2-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.
[6] https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/god-rich-mercy