Micah 7:18 Who is a God like to you, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?… When we speak of mercy in God, we must realise that it differs from the corresponding affection in man. In God it is not a passion, causing any mental disturbance. In Him, infinite goodness, perpetually, without any disquiet, impels to the manifestation of kindness. In the exercise of this attribute Jehovah delights. The ministration of justice is necessary, that of mercy is voluntary. I. CONSIDER THE NATURE OF GOD. His very essence is love, and mercy is but one of the forms of love. 1. Take a view of the perfections of His nature. Infinite, Eternal, All-wise, Just, Almighty, Faithful. Turn to whatever perfection of God you may, still His mercy comes into view. 2. View His nature in the powers which He exercises. In Scripture we read of His eyes, ears, lips, hands, etc. He is said to think, to will, to remember. He is afflicted, and He rejoiceth. All these powers are set forth as occupied in the exercise of mercy. II. LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF GOD. 1. The words of His law. Here mercy holds a distinguished place. It requires of us that we "be merciful." 2. His words in the Gospel. Truly these are full of mercy. Viewed as a whole, the Gospel is simply "the grace of God, which hath appeared unto all men, and bringeth salvation." Doctrines, promises, and invitations are all full of mercy. III. SURVEY THE DOINGS OF GOD. 1. What God does in the purchase of redemption. 2. In the application of redemption. IV. OBSERVE THE GIFTS OF GOD. 1. Their value and variety. 2. Their constancy and permanence. Then be merciful, as God is merciful. (1) Deal kindly with enemies. (2) Show compassion to the afflicted. (3) Seek the salvation of sinners. (E. Brown.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. |
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