The Mercy of God

“God does not show mercy by accident or weakness, but always with utter intentionality and...
November 11, 2018

“God does not show mercy by accident or weakness, but always with utter intentionality and strength.” – David Mathis

Understanding mercy is vital for understanding our need for Jesus and the grace that He gives.

Understanding Mercy

Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Mercy is not getting what we deserve.

Mercy is part of God’s goodness. (Ex. 33:19)

Mercy is often shown where people are in misery or distress. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

 

Mercy not only tells us about God, but it also tells us about ourselves. It tells us that we are deserving of God’s wrath and justice because of our sin.

 

Missing Mercy

Matthew 18:21-35

We often fail to show mercy because of un-forgiveness

We often fail to show mercy because we fail to realize the mercy we have received.

 

Mercy in Scripture

Mercy is often mentioned with grace in Scripture. However, mercy is different than grace.

God often gives grace and mercy at the same time. (Ex. 34:6; Isaiah 30:18Joel 2:13Jonah 4:2)

David often focuses on God’s mercy, especially in distress. (Psalm 86:5103:8111:4116:5; 145:8–9, 51:1, 2 Samuel 24:13-14)

Jesus does not just give mercy, He embodies it. (Matthew 5:718:33Luke 6:36Luke 10:37)

One of the most common request of Jesus was to “Have mercy.” (Matthew 9:2715:2217:1520:30–31Mark 10:47–48Luke 16:2417:1318:1338–39)

 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? 

We are to imitate God’s mercy in our conduct toward others.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. – Matthew 5:7

 

Who do you need to show mercy to because of God’s great mercy?

Who do you know that is in misery or distress?

Who do you need to forgive?

Where in your life do you need to realize the mercy that has been given you from God? From others?