Topical Encyclopedia Clemency, often synonymous with mercy and forgiveness, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human conduct. In the biblical context, clemency is the act of showing compassion or forgiveness towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. This concept is deeply rooted in the nature of God and is exemplified in His dealings with humanity.Divine Clemency The Bible frequently portrays God as a merciful and forgiving deity, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. In the Old Testament, God's clemency is evident in His interactions with the Israelites. Despite their repeated disobedience and idolatry, God continually offers forgiveness and restoration. In Exodus 34:6-7 , God reveals His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." The Psalms also celebrate God's clemency. Psalm 103:8-10 states, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities." Clemency in the Teachings of Jesus In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and teaches clemency. His ministry is marked by acts of mercy and forgiveness, extending grace to sinners and outcasts. One of the most profound examples is found in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father shows clemency by welcoming his repentant son back with open arms, symbolizing God's readiness to forgive those who return to Him. Jesus also instructs His followers to practice clemency. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Furthermore, in the Lord's Prayer, believers are taught to seek forgiveness as they forgive others (Matthew 6:12). Clemency in Christian Conduct The call to clemency extends to interpersonal relationships among believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letters, urging Christians to forgive one another as God has forgiven them. In Ephesians 4:32 , Paul writes, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Similarly, in Colossians 3:12-13 , Paul encourages believers to "put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Clemency and Justice While clemency involves forgiveness, it does not negate justice. The Bible upholds the importance of justice, yet it presents clemency as a higher virtue that tempers justice with mercy. James 2:13 highlights this balance: "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." In summary, clemency is a divine attribute that God extends to humanity and a virtue that believers are called to emulate. It reflects the heart of the Gospel, where God's justice and mercy meet in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Disposition to forgive an offender; mercy; mildness of temper; gentleness; tenderness.2. (n.) Mildness or softness of the elements; as, the clemency of the season. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLEMENCYklem'-en-si (epietkeia, "fairness," "sweet reasonableness," Acts 24:4): The Greek word is rendered elsewhere "gentleness," 2 Corinthians 10:1 Titus 3:2, "meekhess"; James 3:17 1 Peter 2:18. Greek 1932. epieikeia -- fairness, gentleness ... clemency, gentleness. From epieikes; suitableness, ie (by implication) equity, mildness -- clemency, gentleness. see GREEK epieikes. (epieikeia) -- 1 Occurrence ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1932.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 6038. anavah -- humility... gentleness, humility, meekness. From anav; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency) -- gentleness, humility, meekness. ... /hebrew/6038.htm - 6k Library Whether Cruelty is Opposed to Clemency? Whether Clemency and Meekness are Absolutely the Same? Whether Both Clemency and Meekness are virtues? Whether Clemency and Meekness are the Greatest virtues? Of Clemency and Meekness (Four Articles) Of God's Clemency in Moderating the Ruin of the City. That He was Derided Because of his Excessive Clemency. That the Cruelties which Occurred in the Sack of Rome were in ... Whether the Aforesaid virtues are Parts of Temperance? Letter Lxii. St. Ambrose Excuses Himself for Having Omitted an ... Thesaurus Clemency (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) Mildness or softness of the elements; as, the clemency of the season. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CLEMENCY. ... /c/clemency.htm - 7k Clefts (10 Occurrences) Clement (1 Occurrence) Mary (50 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) Ore (5 Occurrences) Gentleness (17 Occurrences) Wouldst (31 Occurrences) Wouldest (66 Occurrences) Tedious (1 Occurrence) Resources Is corporate confession of sin biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Barabbas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Clemency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Clemency (1 Occurrence)Acts 24:4 Subtopics Clemency of David Toward Disloyal Subjects: Amasa Clemency of David Toward Disloyal Subjects: Shimei Related Terms |
    |