The Distinction of Mercy

DT: When resist retaliating against those who harm us and bless them instead with hearts of compassion, we are demonstrating mercy as disciples should.

AIM: We will be merciful to all including those who harm us intentionally.

Introduction:

This distinction may cause great levels of challenge for some because it requires that we resist the temptation and motivation to hurt other people who have hurt us. This distinction of mercy means we are able to exhibit a heart of compassion towards people.

Paul writes this portion of the Roman letter, vv. 9-21 specifically, with the intent to describe the characteristics of disciples. Paul’s desire is that the readers would take these words to heart and live so that God is pleased.

Our verses today, again are a challenge, not because of any difficulty in the actions we are called to but because of the manner of heart we must develop as Christians. What is this heart? It is the heart of mercy or interchangeably a heart of compassion.

Do you have a merciful heart? Do you have a heart of compassion? This is another distinction that separates the disciple from the world. The disciple shows mercy to all including enemies.

What does this distinction of Mercy look like? Let’s begin by understanding what mercy is.

In one sense it means to withhold punishment from offenders who deserve it. In a wider sense it means to help others in need who cannot help themselves. God showed mercy in sparing us from the judgment which our sins deserved and in demonstrating kindness to us through the saving work of Christ.

Transition: Today our text , we will learn how to express mercy towards others even those who may not deserve it. The first thing we learn is to pray for ou

Pray for Those Who Hurt Us

Romans 12:14a ESV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Paul uses the term bless, which in this case refers to desiring good for those who persecute. It carries the connotation of meaningful prayer for those who hurt us.

bless your persecutors - pray for your persecutors and mean it.

does not curse the persecutor

What is meant by persecutors? In Paul’s day these were people who cast judgement and caused harm to others who had a certain belief, especially religious belief. In Paul’s and the early church’s case they were those who hunted and pursued Christians to harm them.

But Paul says do not curse these people pray for them and desire the best for them. Paul is not just talking talk; Paul is at the time of this letter imprisoned and believes he may be killed because of his beliefs and because he is preaching the Gospel.

Pray for your persecutors means to ask that God bless them. It requires a praying heart that seeks to reach God sincerely for the best for others. It is not routine and Paul wants the readers to realize this so he says, “And do not curse them”.

The text prohibits cursing persecutors.

Curse means The invocation of harm or injury upon a person (or people), either immediately or contingent upon particular circumstances

with mercy there are no agendas to harm nor shame those who hurt us. We pray for them.

Jesus says it this way

Matthew 5:44 ESV

44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

We are blessed when we show mercy

Matthew 5:7 ESV

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

We see mercy on the cross

Luke 23:34 ESV

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Illustration:

10,000 Sermon Illustrations How We React

Syndicated columnist Sidney Harris tells of going with a friend to a newspaper stand. The friend bought a newspaper. The vendor was abrupt, gruff, and the friend responded in kindness. Harris was perplexed and said, “Is he always so unkind?” “Yes.” ““Do you always reply like that?” “Yes.” “Why?” “I can’t determine how he will act, but I can determine how I will react.”

Transition: Mercy is determining how we will react towards others and living with restraint.

Application: How do you react? Do you pray for those who hurt you? Are you seeking revenge?

Transition: Here is the next thing the text teaches us about mercy. Our hearts must be empathetic.

Our Hearts Must be Empathetic

Romans 12:15 ESV

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

When we speak of empathy what we mean is placing ourselves in the place of other people. We really attempt to feel what others feel and share that moment with them.

Two illustrations I want to want to share and then I’ll sit down.

10,000 Sermon Illustrations New Record

New Record

Forty thousand fans were on hand in the Oakland stadium when Rickey Henderson tied Lou Brock’s career stolen base record. According to USA Today Lou, who had left baseball in 1979, had followed Henderson’s career and was excited about his success. Realizing that Rickey would set a new record, Brock said, “I’ll be there. Do you think I’m going to miss it now? Rickey did in 12 years what took me 19. He’s amazing.”

The real success stories in life are with people who can rejoice in the successes of others. What Lou Brock did in cheering on Rickey Henderson should be a way of life in the family of God. Few circumstances give us a better opportunity to exhibit God’s grace than when someone succeeds and surpasses us in an area of our own strength and reputation.

When others succeed shar their joy!

Here is the second Illustration:

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Self-Sacrifice

A little girl’s first-grade class held its “track and field” day. She won quite a few ribbons, among them one blue ribbon for a first place. Later that day, when she came home, the blue ribbon was missing, and her mother asked what had happened to it. “Oh,” she said, “Bruce was crying because he didn’t win a first place ribbon, so I gave it to him.” Her mother hugged her and told her she thought it was very generous to give Bruce the ribbon. “Why not?” she asked. “After all, I know that I won it.”

If only all of us, adults included, had such a clear idea of what things are really important in life, and what things are just decorations!

What would you do?