3. INTRODUCTION
It was noted last month that God’s
Love and God’s Grace were, two-
sides of the same coin. If we view
this “coin” as a priceless, pure gold,
coin, then “mercy” would be what
only that coin can purchase. Mercy
is an attribute of God, toward His
people, in spite of their sinfulness,
unworthiness and unfaithfulness.
4. The biblical concept of mercy can be
complicated. Therefore there are
several Hebrew and Greek words
used to comprehend the many-sided
concept. The three most often used
terms are:
• PITY
• COMPASSION
• STEADFAST LOVE
The common idea is God’s nature to
forgive offenders and to spare them
the just punishment which is due.
5. At the heart of the concept of mercy
is the love of God. This is clearly
illustrated in His dealing with the
Nation of Israel. God persistently
put up with His disobedient and
wayward people and continuously
sought them out to draw them back
to Himself. This is the reason mercy
is often viewed as God’s “steadfast”
love. God’s mercy has always had as
its main goal, restoration through
forgiveness.
6. A common adage says that Grace
gives what we do not deserve,
Eternal Life, while Mercy withholds
what we do deserve, Eternal Death.
But, Mercy goes much deeper than
that. Mercy is not only punishment
which, is just and due. Nor, is mercy
an act of having compassion or
feeling sorry toward a person. But
mercy is also an action of giving the
needed assistance to that person.
7. RESPONSE TO GOD’S MERCY
Because God has freely extended His
mercy toward us, regardless of our
unworthiness or unfaithfulness, we
are to respond by showing mercy to
others, who do not deserve it. As
members of the Body of Christ, we are
to show compassion and concern for
each other. We are mandated to give
aid, relief, love and comfort to one
another as Christ gave to us.
