Compassion and Mercy
God’s GRACE expresses itself in many attributes. We see it in His patience, His goodness, His love, His forgiveness, and His gifts (salvation, the Holy Spirit, eternal life). Two more attributes of God’s GRACE are often coupled in the Bible – COMPASSION and MERCY (Exodus 33:19; Deuteronomy 13:17; Psalm 51:1-2; James 5:11). During November we will focus on these two attributes.
The human condition gives opportunity and begs for God’s Compassion and Mercy. In earthly bodies we all grow weary from pain, disease and sickness. In mortal bodies we all know grief and are subject to death. In a fallen world we all are tempted and fall into sin. In a corrupt culture we experience oppression, persecution and violence. In all of these afflictions our bodies groan for redemption and our spirits cry out for relief (Romans 8:20-23; Psalm 31:9-10).
The Bible assures us that God knows our plight and sympathizes with our sufferings: “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love. . . . As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:8, 13-14).
Jesus revealed God’s Grace by many acts of Mercy prompted by divine Compassion. His healing ministry was not a show, but a Merciful response borne of Compassion for all who were diseased or demon-possessed (Matthew 9:35; 4:24; Mark 1:32-34). His miracle ministry was often prompted by Compassion and Mercy, as in the feedings of the 5000 and the 4000: "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way" (Matthew 15:32). His teaching ministry was driven by Compassion: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them” (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34). His salvation ministry was the ultimate demonstration of Compassion on sheep gone astray and of Mercy on hell-bound sinners. Jesus laid down His life in our place (Isaiah 53:6-7; Titus 3:4-7; Ephesians 2:4-9). What Grace!!
What do God’s attributes require of us? His Grace toward us invites our Compassion towards others and impels us to show acts of Mercy. Therefore, the next person you find in desperate need, do the compassionate and merciful thing – help them!