Encouragement

Showing Mercy

by paul hoffmaster
01/08/21
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Mercy is active compassion.  It is an action that generates a response to the needs of others.  Mercy recognizes situations in people where assistance is needed.  It reacts with a desire to offer help, in the form of prayers, encouragement, physical contact, and monetary contribution.  Mercy is an action that is required of every Believer.  Yet to a large degree the only outward show of mercy is the overworked action of prayer!  How many times has the response to the needs of others been met only with prayer?  How many times have we reassured the needy that we will pray for them? (I wonder what percentage of our vow is actually fulfilled.)  Mercy is a required part of every Believer’s repertoire of Biblical characteristics.  Mercy is not just a word, but an ongoing action that never ceases.  Mercy is always looking for opportunities to convey its action.  It never waits to be petitioned but seeks ways to display God’s compassion.

More and more I am witnessing a display of mercy through the thought process instead of through compassionate action.  We feel each other’s pains and challenges, but fail to interact with them.  Verbal interaction is an important ingredient to spiritual stability, but that alone will not guarantee victory.  James states that simply telling someone that things will work out, and then offering nothing to reinforce his words, will profit them nothing! (James 2: 16)  James ties Mercy and Faith together.  Mercy is initiated through Faith.  Faith is evidenced by works.  If Faith does not generate Mercy, our Faith is ineffective. 

It is inexcusable for a Believer to stay in financial despair when the “Faith Family” is active.  (It is important to understand that if a person is reckless with his finances, he will reap from his undisciplined lifestyle.  To assist that person monetarily, without helping him understand fiscal responsibility, will never alleviate the problem.)  For those, who for no fault of their own, experience a financial crisis, mercy should be offered without hesitation.   The early Church functioned as a family.  When there was a financial need in the Body, people gave money which they currently had, or sold possessions and brought the money they received to the Apostles who dispersed them to those in need. (Acts 4:34, 35)  When is the last time we gave to someone in need?   Mercy is a one-way street, seeking nothing in return.  Mercy is displaying Jesus through our daily activities. Words have no power without action.  Mercy is a “hot potato” that is not held unto but is quickly dispersed to others.  We need to Praise God for His Mercy.  We need to thank Jesus for His Mercy.  We need to thank the Holy Spirit for showing us how to be Merciful.

The Psalmist David stated that goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life. (Psalm 23:6).  May every Believer leave a Mercy trail behind him as he makes his way to the eternal Kingdom!