Being Rich in Mercy

In many of the Epistles, the Apostles began with the wonderful phrase: “Grace and mercy.” (1 Timothy 1:2)  If God began writing many of His holy Letters to us in this manner, then we should do also in our own correspondence with others in the body of Christ. In the beginning of the Book of Jude we read, “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” (Jude 1:2) Do we find it easy to wish mercy on others in abundance or are we quick to condemn? One that finds it easy to judge others has lost the perspective that he was shown much mercy from God. For it is by grace and mercy we have been saved by the blood of God’s Son.

James 2:13

In the Book of Titus it says: “Not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” (Titus 3:5) When we start to look at another’s problems more than our own, we are in a dangerous place in our walk with the Lord. Our Lord Jesus taught a wonderful parable on mercy in Matthew 18. Sadly, it ends with the judging of the wicked servant who did not show mercy but rather had a ministry of choking others: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33) Do we demand of others what we do not accomplish ourselves?

As Jesus told the Pharisees, God considered justice, mercy and faithfulness much more important than tithing, sacrificing and being right before others. We need to get a revelation from the Lord on how important and crucial mercy is to Him. Thus, we will see it as a precious gift to share with others: “You have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23) When we are seeking to be closer to God we must covet His wisdom and the fruit of His Spirit. Yet even these very attributes are full of mercy, bathed in mercy. Jesus taught us to love our enemies. (Matthew 5:44) We should seek to ensure there is no division by first showing great mercy to others. May our testimony be that we are as full of mercy as is our God.  (James 3:17)

We should constantly remind ourselves that we were forgiven much and therefore should show mercy to all other believers. If we do not and begin to judge and accuse others the Lord will allow us to be in a prison on this earth in our hearts: “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.” (Matthew 18:32-34)

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.” ( James 2:12-13)

May God fill His body with a powerful unity as we look to Christ our chief Shepherd and emulate His love, care and mercy toward others. Though we can be radical, fervent and know the Bible better than anyone near us, let us not deceive ourselves but prove our Christianity in action by exhibiting great love and mercy for all sinners and the body of Christ, our sisters and brothers.

The above is Principle 29 from the book: "Principles For the Gathering of Believers under the Headship of Jesus Christ"

God bless you!