Mercy Ministry Luke 6:36

Introduction

Mercy ministry is an important ministry of a local church. But do we understand it? Do we know what it is? Do we practice it ourselves? Or is it just for those “gifted” in mercy?

Let’s ask this question: What is mercy?

Before looking at an important verse on this topic, consider the following verse from the apostle John. He says, But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Notice the diagram and its implications. The person who knows there is a need and does nothing about it is not a believer.

Now let’s look closely at the words of Jesus about mercy ministry found in . Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.

The Mercy Mandate

Be merciful. A more literal translation: Become merciful. That wording implies that it’s something that we are not already doing, so we have to start doing it. What does  it mean when you don’t do it? It’s called disobedience. It’s also called sin. It also implies that it will be a lifestyle (present tense). It’s a habit of life.

But what is not clear is the meaning of merciful. What does it mean have to be doing as a lifestyle?  Mercy ministry combines feelings of sympathy with action. We see a person in need and we do something about it. We not only care for the person with needs, but we take care of the needs.

The Mercy Model

God is merciful. He’s our model for being merciful. That’s God’s “lifestyle”. He is always showing mercy. As His children, we need to follow that model, as Paul told the Ephesians (4:32-5:1).

When Jesus named the two greatest commandments, He was asked this question: Who is my neighbor? His answer came in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Our neighbor is the person who is in need. Showing kindness to others is not only to be done towards fellow-believers, but to all who are in need.

Conclusion

Mercy ministry is a life-style. We cannot meet every need, but often the problem is that we neglect meeting needs. We ignore the needs. We think that somebody else will take care of the problem. But showing mercy, showing kindness to those who are in need should be the habit of our life.

If you’re saved, you will show mercy. You will be kind. You will be forgiving.

It is a clear test and evidence of salvation. Your care for others is evidence of whether you know God’s mercy in your own life.

Where have you neglected showing mercy to others? How can you show more mercy to people around you, both Christian and non-Christian?