MERCY is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one’s power to punish or harm them. In the legal sense, mercy often refers to compassionate behavior from a person in power, such as when a judge shows clemency, leniency or mercy during sentencing. The word “mercy” derives from the medieval Latin “merced” or “merces,” which means “price paid.”
What is the biblical definition of mercy? Forgiveness or withholding punishment. For example, God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his son, Christ Jesus, on the cross to pay the price for our sins. Who’s entitled to God’s mercy? According to Psalm 25:10, “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth toward those who honor his covenant and decrees.” Those who are merciful towards others are also entitled to God’s Mercy. Matthew 5:7 reads, “Blessed are the merciful and Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
So then who’s not entitled to God’s mercy? Proverbs 28:13 says, “No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Look, we are all capable of receiving Gods mercy, but he doesn’t reward individuals who know they have messed up, keeps it a secret and have no regrets about the mess-ups. We can also show mercy towards others by helping others whom have hurt us, giving others a second chance, or being kind to others who are mean to us. Mercy is giving people what they NEED, not what they deserve. Mercy is LOVE, loving people instead of judging and condemning them, because the Bible says, “He without sin cast the first stone.”
If you haven’t noticed yet, EVERYTHING in the Bible points back to LOVE, God’s unconditional love for us. May He continue to have LOVE and MERCY on our souls.
With Agape Love,
Willie Mae