The concept of being "motivated by mercy" is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, reflecting the character of God and the call for believers to emulate His compassion and grace. Mercy, as a divine attribute, is frequently highlighted in Scripture, emphasizing God's willingness to forgive and His compassion towards humanity. This entry explores the biblical foundation and implications of being motivated by mercy.

Biblical Foundation

1. God's Mercy: The Bible consistently portrays God as merciful. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores mercy as a core aspect of God's nature. Similarly, in Lamentations 3:22-23, it is written, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"

2. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's mercy, taught and demonstrated mercy throughout His ministry. In the Beatitudes, He states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This teaching highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy and the blessing that comes from living a life characterized by compassion.

3. Parables of Mercy: Jesus often used parables to illustrate the importance of mercy. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a profound example, where Jesus challenges His listeners to show mercy beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions are motivated by compassion, serving as a model for believers to act mercifully towards others.

4. Apostolic Exhortations: The apostles continued to emphasize mercy in their teachings. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Here, Paul connects the motivation for holy living to the mercy believers have received from God.

Practical Implications

1. Forgiveness: Being motivated by mercy involves a readiness to forgive others, as God has forgiven us. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul instructs, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This call to forgiveness is a direct response to the mercy believers have experienced.

2. Compassionate Action: Mercy is not merely an emotion but is expressed through action. James 2:13 warns, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This verse encourages believers to act mercifully, reflecting God's mercy in tangible ways.

3. Social Justice: The biblical call to mercy extends to issues of social justice. Micah 6:8 declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse highlights the integration of justice and mercy in the life of a believer, urging them to advocate for the oppressed and marginalized.

4. Evangelism: Mercy also motivates believers in their mission to share the Gospel. Jude 1:22-23 advises, "And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others, show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh." This passage underscores the role of mercy in reaching out to those who are lost or struggling in their faith.

In summary, being motivated by mercy is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the character of God and exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to a life of forgiveness, compassionate action, social justice, and evangelism, reflecting the mercy they have received from God.