[470 words]
If you were asked to list some of the most important characteristics of a child of God, which characteristics would you list? Many of us would quickly affirm that a child of God is one who attends worship services faithfully, gives to the church generously, and is pure in morals. These are qualities which should not be minimized, because they certainly are vital. However, when Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders of His day about the qualities they needed to demonstrate, He said they had omitted the “the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith” (Matthew 23:23).
Perhaps mercy is one of the most under-rated qualities of God’s children, and yet it is one that is so desperately needed. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). The Lord’s statement makes it obvious that those who hope to obtain mercy must show it to others.
A good one-word definition of mercy is “compassion.” To demonstrate mercy is “to help one who is afflicted or seeking aid.” Mercy is “compassion in action,” and the world is full of people who need compassion. Christians need to show mercy to those who are sick. Remember the words of Jesus: “I was sick, and ye visited me” (Matthew 25:36). We hear of so many who are sick with various illnesses and diseases that we may become less compassionate and inattentive to their needs, but if we or a loved one has ever been very sick or in the hospital for a lengthy stay, we will always remember those who showed compassion by phone calls, sending cards, giving money, or simply stopping by for a brief visit.
Christians should show mercy to the suffering. Suffering may be caused by the death of a loved one, family and marriage problems, financial set-backs, or loneliness. Paul instructs Christians to suffer with other church members who suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26), and to “do good unto all men” (Galatians 6:10). Opportunities abound for
Christians to show compassion for those who are suffering. Christians should also show mercy to those ensnared in sin. Jesus did not condemn a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery; rather, He said, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). He identified the woman’s adultery as “sin,” but he was willing to extend mercy and forgive. Jesus also taught that if one has been sinned against personally—even seven times in one day—and the sinner repents, then the one sinned against is to forgive (Luke 17:3-4).
On the final Day of Judgment, all who read these words will desire mercy. That sobering thought should inspire us all to show mercy to the sick, suffering, and to those entangled in sin. Only the merciful…will receive mercy.
Mark Lindley
Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, MS