What Is Required for Being Willing to Show Mercy?

Each person will at some point be called upon to act courageously in defense of personal values or for protection of family and friends. Courage is also associated with defending what is socially right and just.

Remember this story? Robbers beat a man almost to death and left him by the roadside. Two religious leaders passed by, looked at the man, and walked on. Finally, a Good Samaritan stopped and compassionately attended to the man’s wounds, saved his life and provided continuing care.

Did that act of mercy take courage? This man prioritized his ethics and humanity and acted with compassion. What evidently inspired him to care for this dying man was his need for a clear conscience and being free of shame and guilt. You can be committed to the Apostle Paul’s directive from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous and strong. Show God’s love in everything you do.”

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

~Colossians 3:12  New International Version

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How Important Is God's Mercy to You?

As God’s people, we consistently expect him to be merciful even when we fail to remember the kindness he has shown so often. Mercy is an expression of God’s undeserved goodness shown to us in spite of being unworthy to receive it.

In Genesis 20 Abraham lied about his relationship with Sarah, his wife. A man of influence admired Sarah so Abraham gave her to him to gain favor and safety. Once again God saved Sarah for Abraham, who had totally failed to trust God’s mercy.

The mystery of God’s mercy is contained in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s mercy has been extended to you personally by forgiving you of every sin you’ve committed. 

This one act of God’s mercy demonstrates his compassion and unending love for you. Receive it now.                             

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There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

~James 2:13 New Living Translation

 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

~Colossians 3:12 NET Bible

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Is It Possible to Make Compassion a Core Value?

In our society, compassion is difficult to practice. On the other hand, frustration, anger, and resentment seem to conform easily to stress that’s ever present as we rush to complete our things-to-do and places-to-be. Resentment derives from perceiving ourselves as caught in a trap, pursuing whatever makes us happy.

Children can be so caught up in after-school and weekend activities that time to rest and play are canceled out. I’m not thinking specifically about sports but about whatever is loaded with competition to win. Perhaps this isn’t your situation, but guard against relegating compassion to the bottom of your list.

To regain compassion, begin with making it your core value. Compassion is a virtue, a treasure to seek and to give each day. 

Listen to Colossians 3:12: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, humility, kindness, gentleness, and patience.” Do this as carefully as you would clothe yourself for a special occasion.  

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And God? Compassionate! Forgave the sin! Didn’t destroy! Over and over he reined in his anger, restrained his considerable wrath.  

~Psalm 78:38 The Message

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Empathy and Mercy: Freely Receive, Freely Give

The expression of empathy has the potential for building a bridge to forgiveness and reconciliation. Empathy builds this bridge because it neither demands punishment nor excuses wrongdoing. While God forgives our sins, we still must face the consequences for those sins, and this is true for other relationships.

Empathy looks beyond the surface issue to know what drives a person to behave as he or she does. Hope motivates the offended person to discover the cause of the offender's pain and suffering that may produce hurtful behaviors. By understanding at this level, we may see ourselves as needing redemption.

Empathy helps us realize the need to repent, to forgive and be forgiven. Feelings of mercy inspire us to give up the need to blame and punish. Listen for a moment to wise words from Proverbs 11:17: "The merciful man does good to his own soul."  May God bless you with the desire to be empathetic and merciful.  

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The Lord is merciful and good; our God is compassionate.

~Psalm 116:5  Good News Bible       

We have a High Priest (Jesus the Son of God) who can sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way just as we are, only without sin. Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. So let us come boldly to God’s throne of love to get mercy and find love to help us when we need it.

~Hebrews 4:15-16 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

~Colossians 3:12 New American Standard Bible