“Mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment, while grace is the act of endowing unmerited favor.” – Philip Wijaya

The message last week centered on showing how God is merciful to us; instead of the common misbelief that He is only interested in administering punishment. He began dispensing mercy to Lucifer before creation; even before Lucifer realized that he needed it. 

We find many examples in the Old Testament of God granting mercy, without it being requested, to those who desperately needed it; as well as to those who understood they had sinned and pleaded with God for mercy so that they would not suffer the consequences of their choices. Jesus during His 3 ½ ministry also administered mercy, whether requested or not. Mercy, what a gift!

We, as followers of Christ are called on to grant mercy to others. James 2:13-18 (ERV) states, “Yes, you must show mercy to others. If you do not show mercy, then God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the one who shows mercy can stand without fear before the Judge.”

Jesus showed us what it means to be merciful to those we meet on a daily basis. He healed the sick, welcomed the stranger, and pardoned those who persecuted and killed him. He always looked for opportunities to grant mercy.

Have you shown mercy to someone recently? Are you a reflector of God’s love and mercy to those who never request  nor deserve it?

Blessings,

Tom McSherry