That I May Be Merciful...

A prominent Greek Orthodox bishop recently sought to enlist the aid of the Almighty to help save Greece from its mountain of debt. Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki read this special debt relief prayer in a televised appearance:

"Oh Lord, we confess that we have sinned as a state and as a people in the management of the economic and monetary benefits entrusted to us. "We ask for Your mercy and request that you continue to support us"

After years of budget deficits, Greece has accumulated a sovereign debt that has spooked investors, dried up the prospect of fresh loans and raised fears about shocks to the broader world economy. Perhaps its time for American leaders, both political and spiritual, to humble themselves as well, and implore God for mercy. Heaven knows we need it.

We know that especially in times of great distress people often pray to our merciful Savior. But, what does it mean to be merciful? Here's what some famous Bible commentators said about the subject:

Albert Barnes wrote, "those who are so affected by the sufferings of others as to be disposed to alleviate them."
Adam Clarke said, "This virtue, therefore, is no other than a lively emotion of the heart, which is excited by the discovery of any creature's misery; and such an emotion as manifests itself outwardly, by effects suited to its nature."
B.W. Johnson said, "those who, instead of resenting injury, are ready to forgive."

Of course, there are many passages in the Bible explaining usage of the word. For example, being merciful: involves love (Ephesians 2:4); involves satisfying needs (Isaiah 49:10); involves forgiveness (Daniel 9:9); and involves love of enemies (Luke 6:35, 36). Simply put, mercy is the out-flowing of love that seeks to satisfy another's true needs with a willingness to forgive their faults.

Now that we have a better idea of what it means to be merciful; who exactly are the merciful? Again, we can turn to the Scriptures for some examples. Let me share a few of these with you. It is: The one who provides for the needy is merciful (Psalm 14:31). Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar (in Daniel 4:27) to practice mercy toward the poor to end his iniquities. The one who tends to the sick is merciful. On numerous occasions Jesus showed mercy to the sick (Matthew 9:27-30; Matthew 17:15 ). The one who pardons the guilty is merciful (Psalm 51:1; Psalm 123:3).

Finally, I'd like to close this discussion by addressing the following question, "Why is it a blessing to be merciful?" Psalms 86:15; Joel 2:13; Luke 6:36 tell us: Because it is an attribute of God! And because it is an attribute of God, it means being merciful is simply the right thing to do! Therefore, if we desire to be like God, then we will be merciful. But that's not all. It's also a blessing because God desires mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13). In other words, mercy also satifies the golden rule; others are aided as we would want to be aided.

When we show mercy to others they receive what is needful from us (Luke 10:25-37); and we will be blessed because Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive ( Acts 20:35). He assures us that we will, in turn receive mercy by being merciful. So, if we don't show mercy neither will we receive mercy. With this in mind, I would say that it would be wise to do so (James 2:13; James 3:17).

The lesson here is that God wants us to have mercy. We need God's mercy, so let us draw near and do what we need to do to receive God's mercy.

Prayer:

Help me Jesus, that what I ask of You - I will give to others - Mercy, both in deed and word. Amen

God bless you,

Val