How Does Being Merciful Result in Freedom?

A wonderful hymn proclaims: “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, Like the wideness of the sea; There’s a kindness in his justice, Which is more than liberty.” What is the best gift you’ve received that left you feeling happy, or even loved? Perhaps it was an act of mercy.

Maybe in a rare moment of vulnerability you showed mercy to someone undeserving of your kindness. Sincerely giving mercy can create an impressive change in brain chemistry that is transforming. A burden is lifted that gives the person a sense of freedom from darkness.

Granting mercy is comparable to receiving a new lease on life when it is given from the heart. 

So in giving mercy you receive freedom and in accepting mercy you give freedom to the one making the offer. Mercy sets you free, and when you accept God’s gift of mercy, nothing will ever be capable of separating you from that freedom bound up in his love for you. 

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Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

~Hebrews 4:16 New International Version

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What Motivates People to Show Mercy?

Have you ever been surprised when a family member, a friend, or someone considered less than a friend showed you mercy when it was undeserved? What motivates people to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving? Acts of mercy may be beyond comprehension when facts justify rejection.

Mercy as an attribute of human behavior may seem a bit out of place in a high-stress world where frustration is prevalent. Taking a moment to show consideration and kindness should, however, be the ideal. Showing mercy rather than condemnation should be what all believers in Jesus Christ should practice.

So we celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world as God’s gift of mercy, rather than his condemnation. Faith that saves us is deeply rooted in God’s mercy and generosity. We should in return be willing to show mercy to others as an expression of the gratitude we feel for the mercy God extends  to us. Praise God for his mercy!                     

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Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in you…in all things at all times.  

~2 Corinthians 9:6-8 New International Version/English Standard Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.