The Mercy Of God

An anonymous writer describes love, mercy, and compassion so accurately when he/she writes that the love and mercy we receive – we do not deserve! As William Barclay said: “Although God’s mercy is freely available, we must not think it is easy or available. It is best to think of mercy as a privilege to be appreciated and not abused”

It’s so “awesome” for people to sit and realise that Jesus died for sins to be forgiven. In the Word we read that via His wounds we received healing (Isa 53:5). What a blessing that He offered His life so that we can have everlasting life. A good example of God’s love is the thief on the cross. He was a criminal and an unbeliever, yet he received compassion from God because of the blood of Jesus (Isa 45:1).

But: we must not misuse God’s mercy. We read in Jude verse 4, where we are warned about sinners that will try to steal this wonderful faith. If they cause doubt, they rob you of the love and mercy of everlasting life. You must never purposely misuse God’s mercy so that you can sin. Some people use Christianity as an excuse to sin and by doing this, they deny Golgota and God’s compassion. Normally when things go wrong they ask “Why God?” or “God where are you?”. God is not a “spare wheel” to help you, just when your plans go wrong. In Galatians 6:7 it states: “God does not allow people to tease Him.”

Faith and mercy go hand in hand. We read in Ephesians that we are saved by mercy due to faith, in other words, if you believe what Jesus has done for you on the cross and you receive the Holy Spirit it will lead you to faith and the mercy from God that led you to that stage of your life that you understand what God’s compassion means. Then you are thankful and then you are a new creation. God says that His mercy is enough for you (2 Peter 1:3).

We must also show mercy to others or let me say that once you have accepted Jesus and acknowledged His mercy then you will show mercy to all irrespective of colour. The Word also says that those who have plenty must share with those who have little or nothing, but not only materially but spiritually as well (2 Co 8:13-14). This means mercy to others. Compassion must be shared and must be freely available. The Word says that what the heart is full of, it must be spoken of (Luke 6:45).

What we receive from God differs according to His will (Rom 12:6). Although we are all members of one body we are all one (1 Co 12:12). God gives all gifts to each to enhance His kingdom. God will decide which gift you will use. God gives that specific gift to you so that you can be a worthwhile work for His kingdom.

Although God showers you with His mercy, you must realise that He does not have to. He does it because He loves you. If you are proud you are unaware of the mercy that you have. It is precious to realize that because He lives, I can look forward to tomorrow for more love and mercy.

If you are successful it is God’s will and not your efforts. Paul wrote:”If you stand tall be careful that you do not fall. All fame and praise are God’s alone and you must not think more of yourself than you should.” (Rom 12:3).
Thomas Merton said, “Pride makes us false – humility makes us human”. This is so true if you are full of yourself then there is no place in your life to be aware of God’s greatness and mercy.

To sum up mercy, we must agree with Paul that God’s mercy is enough (2 Co 12:9), for God promised that He won’t give us more than we can handle and that is MERCY!