Mercy

Midweek Topical Study: #2 Mercy

Passages: Ephesians 2:4 Matthew 5:7 Matthew 25:34-40

Mercy: “Mercy supposes two things: 1. A distressed object: and, 2. A disposition of the heart, through which it is affected at the sight of such an object.” (Clarke, A. (2014). The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes (New Edition, Vol. 5, p. 66). Faithlife Corporation.)

Simply defined: Mercy sees suffering and acts upon it to alleviate the suffering. “It does not ask the question, “Is the sufferer of my nation, sect, party, or Church; does the man deserve relief?” It simply asks the question, “Does he suffer?” (Exell, J. S. (1952). The Biblical Illustrator: Matthew (p. 53). Baker Book House.)

Devotional thoughts:

(1) Mercy begins with God. Ephesians 2:4 states that God was rich in mercy and thus made us alive in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate source and image of mercy.

(2) Mercy extends through believers. Matthew 5:7 states that those who are merciful will obtain mercy. This does not suggest, as we studied last week with forgiveness, that we must give mercy to receive it, but it rather suggests that when we extend mercy, the reward of mercy, eschatologically, will NOT be withheld from us. Turner suggested “Those who have experienced God’s mercy will show it to others (see 18:21–35), and thus demonstrate their destiny as those who will receive mercy at the last day.” (Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 77). Tyndale House Publishers.) Furthermore Barnes wrote, “Nowhere do we imitate God more than in showing mercy.” (Barnes, A. (1884–1885). Notes on the New Testament: Matthew & Mark (R. Frew, Ed.; p. 45). Blackie & Son.)

So, how is this applicable? How do we extend mercy?

a. Recognize the need, struggle, or suffering.

b. Seek to reach out and meet the need, help in the struggle, or alleviate suffering.

Scripturally, let us examine Matthew 25:34-40 which is an example of extending and applying mercy:

Let us feed the hungry; let us give drink to the thirsty, let us welcome the stranger, let us clothe the naked, let us take care of the sick, and let us visit those imprisoned.

Let us see the needs and meet them.

Let us see the struggle and join in it.

Let us see the suffering and seek to alleviate it.