Carrying Love and Mercy

Micah 6:8 CEB

8 He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

John 13:34–35 CEB

34 “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. 35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

Carrying Love and Mercy

In North Miami Beach, Florida, on December 21, 1974, 10 year old fifth-grader Chris Carrier was walking home from school when a man lured him into his motorhome. The man attacked Chris with an ice pick, drove him to a remote area, and shot him in the head from behind and left him for dead. The day after Christmas, a farmer found and rescued him. Chris remained unconscious for six days. The injury left him permanently blind in his left eye. Years later, in 1996, Chris, now a youth pastor at Granada Presbyterian Church in North Miami, learned that his attacker, David McAllister, was living in a nursing home. Chris decided to visit him. When McAllister realized that the man standing before him was the boy he had once abandoned, he broke down in tears. Chris recalled, "He gasped and said, 'I left him there,' and began to cry." McAllister apologized, and Chris responded with remarkable grace, telling him, "I forgave you long ago, and now we can move forward with a new friendship, free from anger or revenge."

In the same way that Chris made the decision to bring love and mercy into a circumstance in which he had every cause to harbor resentment and suffering, we are also obligated to bring the same love and mercy into the world.

Being a follower of Christ means putting into practice the kindness and compassion that God has shown us and sharing that same kindness and compassion with others, no matter how hard it may be. Chris's choice to show mercy and compassion had a profound impact on both his own life and the life of the individual who had attempted to harm him in the first place.

The prophetic word to Israel is sometimes said to come to a close in Micah 6:8. It encapsulates the essence of God's expectations for His people. The nation that the prophet Micah addresses suffers from social injustice, corruption, and legalism. A basic yet profound rule is laid out in this passage: live humbly with God, love mercy, and act justly.

Doing the right thing involves more than just following the rules. It means living righteously in all parts of one's life. Being just and honest is fundamental to God's character, and we should strive to let that character shine through in all that we do and say. Speaking up against judicial injustices or fighting for the rights of the homeless and underprivileged are two examples of what this might entail.

There is more to loving mercy than just being kind and forgiving. We should cherish mercy and make it our ongoing goal to embody it if we truly "love" it. Showing grace and compassion, even when it's undeserved, is what it means to have mercy. Understanding people's struggles, recognizing their humanity, and opting to respond with love despite difficulties means seeing them through God's eyes.

By tying humility to one's walk with God, kindness and justice are bound together. This serves as a reminder that our pursuit of justice and acts of kindness should not be characterized by arrogance. Instead, we are urged to cultivate a strong relationship with God, recognizing our dependence on Him and allowing His Spirit to guide our steps and dispositions.

With the new commandment to love one another as He has loved them, Jesus reiterates this idea in John 13:34–35.

Love like this is more than a feeling. According to the dictionary, love can be used as either a noun or a verb. Anything that acts is called a verb. The love that Jesus teaches about here is a selfless love that actively pursues the welfare of others, just like Jesus himself did. This kind of love, characterized by compassion and mercy, becomes the hallmark of an authentic follower.

Think of yourself as a judge and a witness in a courtroom to better understand the need for a fair and compassionate system. Everyone gets what they deserve in accordance with the law, and it is your job as the judge to make sure that happens. Being a part of it also gives you an understanding of being the one who is merciful, like when someone chooses to forgive you instead of punishing you because you messed up.

Now, let's apply this to real life: if justice is the framework that maintains social fairness and order, then mercy is the grease that keeps interpersonal relationships functioning properly. Grace, forgiveness, and healing cannot exist without justice, and anarchy ensues without mercy. Together, they reveal God's character, and each is vital in its own right.

The prodigal son's tale (Luke 15:11-32) provides another example. Justice and mercy are perfectly balanced in the story's father. The father may have done the right thing by disowning his son or making him work as a servant to make up for his lost inheritance when the son comes back after wasting it. As an act of mercy, the father instead embraces his kid, puts him back in his rightful place, and celebrates his return. The moral of the story is that love can mend damaged things, not undermine them, and mercy is the one quality that can accomplish justice.

Now, let's make this personal. The call to act justly and love mercy isn't just for the big moments in life—it's a daily practice. It's in the small decisions we make and the everyday interactions we have with others.

At home, how do we handle situations where a family member lets us down or makes a mistake? Do we insist on fairness by demanding they make amends, or do we show mercy by forgiving and giving them a second opportunity?

What about in the workplace, for example, when a coworker claims credit for your effort or when a disagreement arises? Do we want to get even by being harsh with them, or do we want to demonstrate mercy by handling the situation with grace and being willing to forgive?

Whether addressing an offender or standing up for the oppressed, we frequently encounter situations in our communities that call for mercy and justice. Can we be compassionate toward those most in need while simultaneously standing up for what's right?

As we strive to live out the biblical call to love and mercy, let’s remember that we are not doing it in our own strength. The ability to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God comes from our relationship with Him. It’s by staying close to God, through prayer, Scripture, and community, that we can reflect His love and mercy in our lives.

Practical Ways to Carry Love and Mercy

Luke 10:25-37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, and for good reason. It encapsulates what it means to carry love and mercy into the world. In this parable, Jesus responds to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" by telling a story that challenges His time's social norms and prejudices.

A man is beaten, robbed, and left half-dead on the side of the road. Two religious figures—a priest and a Levite—see the man but choose to pass by on the other side, perhaps out of fear, inconvenience, or a desire to maintain ritual purity. But then a Samaritan shows up, a member of a group that the Jews despise. Despite the societal divisions and the personal risk involved, the Samaritan is moved with compassion. He stops to help the injured man and goes above and beyond—bandaging his wounds, taking him to an inn, and paying for his care.

This story is a profound example of what it means to love and show mercy, not just to those we know or like, but to anyone in need. The Good Samaritan's actions embody the love and mercy that Jesus calls us to demonstrate. It's a love that transcends boundaries, a mercy that goes beyond what is convenient or comfortable.

Consider the recent flooding brought on by the hurricane to put the Good Samaritan lesson into a modern context. In my hometown, the church where I spent most of my childhood and adolescence opened its youth center for those impacted by the flooding. They provided food, clothing, and shelter. They offered a shoulder to lean on.

Let's break down some practical steps to carry love and mercy in your lives. These steps aren't just ideas—they're actions that each of us can implement daily, reflecting the heart of the Good Samaritan.

The first step in carrying love and mercy is to be aware of the needs around you. This means cultivating a mindset of attentiveness, where we actively look for opportunities to help others. In our busy lives, it's easy to become so focused on our own tasks and challenges that we miss the needs of those around us. Slow down, watch, and listen. It might be a struggling coworker, a lonely neighbor, or a stranger needing a helping hand. Awareness is the first step toward being a conduit of God's love and mercy.

Awareness is essential, but it must be coupled with a willingness to act. Often, the opportunity to show mercy comes at inconvenient times. The Good Samaritan was likely on his own journey, yet he was willing to stop and help, even though it meant interrupting his plans. Being willing means saying "yes" to the opportunities God places in our path, even when it's not easy. It might mean giving up time, energy, or resources, but the impact of that willingness can be life-changing for someone in need.

True love and mercy often require sacrifice. The Good Samaritan didn't just do the bare minimum; he went above and beyond, caring for the injured man and covering his recovery costs. In our own lives, showing mercy might mean sacrificing our comfort, finances, or even our safety to help someone else. This is where the love of Christ is most powerfully displayed—in those moments where we give of ourselves without expecting anything in return. Encourage the congregation to consider how they can go the extra mile in their acts of mercy, just as the Good Samaritan did.

Think about your own lives and specific situations where you can put these principles into practice. It could be as simple as checking in on a neighbor or something more involved, like volunteering at a local shelter or food bank.

Let's make this a little more concrete. I want to issue a "Mercy Week" challenge. I want to challenge you to commit to one act of love and mercy each day for a week. It could be something small, like offering a kind word or paying for someone's coffee, or something more substantial, like volunteering your time or helping someone in need.

As we strive to carry love and mercy into the world, remember that we are not acting alone. The same Spirit that empowered the Good Samaritan to act with compassion and sacrifice is available today. When we step out in faith to show love and mercy, God goes before us, preparing the way and working through us to bring His grace to those in need.

As we’ve seen, carrying love and mercy isn’t just about recognizing the need and stepping in to help—it’s about a lifestyle, a continuous practice of reflecting God’s heart in our actions. We’ve explored the biblical foundation for love and mercy and considered practical ways to incorporate these principles into our daily lives.

But what happens when we consistently live out this call to love and mercy? How does it impact those we help, the broader community, and even ourselves? This brings us to our third point:

The Impact of Living Out Love and Mercy

In John 13:35 Jesus provides a clear and compelling identifier for His followers: love. This love isn't superficial or selective; it's profound, selfless, and all-encompassing. When we embody love and mercy, we don't just follow a set of moral guidelines—we become living testimonies of Christ's transformative power, inspiring hope and a sense of purpose in our lives.

Jesus said John 13:35

John 13:35 CEB

35 This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

The early church understood this well. Despite facing persecution and marginalization, the early Christians were known for their radical love and compassion. They cared for the sick, aided the poor, and welcomed the outcasts. Their actions spoke volumes, often attracting others to the faith not through eloquent speeches but through tangible demonstrations of love and mercy, motivating us to follow their example.

In today's world, where skepticism about faith can be high, our actions still serve as the most compelling evidence of the Gospel's truth. When we live out love and mercy authentically, we become beacons of hope and instruments of God's grace, drawing others toward Him.

Consider the story of a small church in a community devastated by a natural disaster. Homes were destroyed, families were displaced, and hope seemed distant. Instead of focusing inwardly, this church mobilized its members to serve their neighbors. They opened their doors as a shelter, organized meal distributions, and helped with rebuilding efforts.

One particular story stands out: an older woman, Mrs. Thompson, lost everything in the disaster. The church members provided her with shelter and took turns caring for her, ensuring she had meals, and eventually helping rebuild her home. Mrs. Thompson was not a member of the church and had been indifferent to faith matters. However, moved by the unwavering love and mercy shown to her, she began attending services. In her testimony, she said, "I saw God's love through these people. Their kindness restored my faith in humanity and introduced me to a God I had long ignored."

This story illustrates the profound impact of living out love and mercy—not just meeting physical needs but also opening hearts to the Gospel.

Now, let's turn the lens inward. How do our actions reflect our faith? Are we known for our love and mercy, both individually and collectively? It's easy to get caught up in routines, focusing on personal spiritual growth while overlooking the practical outworking of our faith in the world around us. Let's take a moment to reflect on this.

Personal Inventory: Think about the past week. Can you identify moments where you actively chose to show love and mercy? Were there opportunities you missed?

Community Perception: If someone were to describe you or our church, would "loving" and "merciful" be among the first descriptors? If not, what can change?

Let's commit to making love and mercy more than just concepts we discuss—they should be actions we embody. Here are some practical ways: visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, helping the needy, and forgiving those who have wronged us.

Take time to observe your surroundings—your workplace, neighborhood, or family. Where is there a need for love and mercy?

Decide on at least three acts of love and mercy you will carry out this week. It could be as simple as listening to someone who needs to talk, volunteering at a local charity, or forgiving someone who has wronged you.

Remember, our faith is most visible not in grand declarations but in humble acts of love and mercy. As we go about our daily lives, let's reflect Christ's love intentionally, knowing that through our actions, others may come to know Him. I encourage you to take a moment now to reflect on how you can embody love and mercy in your life this week.

As we wrap up today, let's take a moment to reflect on what we've explored together.

We started by looking at the call from God to live lives filled with love and mercy. Micah 6:8 and John 13:34-35 reminded us that God isn’t asking for grand gestures but for simple, consistent actions—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him. These aren’t just ideals; they’re the foundation of how we’re meant to live every day.

The story of the Good Samaritan, a story that challenges us to see beyond our own comfort and step into the messy, inconvenient moments where love and mercy are most needed. It’s about being aware of the needs around us, being willing to help, and sometimes even making sacrifices to show God’s love in real and tangible ways.

Jesus told us that people would know we are His disciples by the way we love each other. Our acts of love and mercy are powerful—they speak louder than any words we could say and have the potential to change not just lives but entire communities.

So as we leave here today, let’s think about this:

How can we take what we’ve heard and put it into action?

It doesn’t have to be something huge. It could be as simple as showing kindness to a stranger, forgiving someone who’s hurt you, or reaching out to a person in need. These small acts, when done consistently, build a life that reflects the heart of God.

I want to challenge each of us, myself included, to look for those opportunities this week. Let’s be intentional about carrying love and mercy wherever we go. Whether at home, at work, or in our neighborhoods, let’s be people who don’t just talk about love and mercy but live it out in everything we do.

Let’s close in prayer.

Father, thank You for showing us what true love and mercy look like through Your Son, Jesus. Help us to live out these qualities in our everyday lives. Open our eyes to see the needs around us, and give us the courage to respond with compassion and grace. May our lives reflect Your love in a way that draws others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.