Topical Bible: Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise

◄ Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Mercy, a central theme in the Christian faith, is both a divine attribute and a human virtue. It is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. The exercise of mercy is not only a reflection of God's character but also a source of blessing and benefit to those who practice it.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of mercy. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for mercy, "chesed," often denotes God's steadfast love and kindness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eleos" conveys a similar meaning. Mercy is a key aspect of God's relationship with humanity, as seen in passages like Exodus 34:6, where God describes Himself as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth."

Mercy in the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of divine mercy, taught extensively on the importance of mercy. In the Beatitudes, He declares, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This statement underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy; those who show mercy will receive it in return. Jesus' parables, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), further illustrate the expectation that His followers exercise mercy towards others.

Mercy as a Reflection of God's Character

The exercise of mercy is a reflection of God's own merciful nature. In Micah 6:8, the prophet summarizes God's requirements for His people: "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 mercy as a fundamental aspect of righteous living, alongside justice and humility.

Benefits of Exercising Mercy

1. Spiritual Growth: Exercising mercy fosters spiritual growth and maturity. It aligns believers with God's will and character, deepening their relationship with Him. James 2:13 warns, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment" . This passage suggests that mercy is a safeguard against harsh judgment, promoting a spirit of grace and forgiveness.

2. Community and Relationships: Mercy strengthens communities and relationships. By choosing mercy over judgment, believers create an environment of trust and compassion. Proverbs 11:17 states, "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself" . This proverb highlights the personal and communal benefits of merciful behavior.

3. Emotional and Mental Well-being: Practicing mercy can lead to emotional and mental well-being. It reduces bitterness and resentment, replacing them with peace and contentment. Colossians 3:12-13 encourages believers to "put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other" . This attitude promotes inner peace and harmony with others.

4. Witness to the World: Mercy serves as a powerful witness to the world. In a culture often characterized by retribution and harshness, acts of mercy stand out as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus instructed His followers, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), calling them to reflect God's mercy in their interactions with others.

Conclusion

Mercy, as a divine and human virtue, is integral to the Christian life. It is both a command and a blessing, offering spiritual, relational, and personal benefits to those who exercise it. Through mercy, believers not only emulate God's character but also experience His grace in profound ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... I cannot as a man distribute assistance to those who do ... a divine gift; prayer fosters
it, and is therefore highly beneficial. ... So prayer doth sweeten the mercy. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
... d those chiefly who earnestly implored his mercy, or who ... his miracles are useful
and beneficial, as well ... here on earth, beyond all those miraculous instances ...
/.../section iii answer to mr.htm

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
... which falsifies gifts, and renders them beneficial, both to ... Those gifts were very
useful at that day, and in ... caused them to hope in his mercy; but memorandums ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiv gifts no certain.htm

Covenanting Recommended by the Practice of the New Testament ...
... and at some stages at least of it, those who had ... The beneficial practical consequences
of them, in many cases, gave ... to Popery, in his goodness and mercy He saw ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xiv covenanting recommended by.htm

Appendix V in the Directory.
... solemn thanks to God for his rich mercy and invaluable ... the strength of that Grace,
as becometh those who have ... grossly abused, are in no way beneficial to the ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix v in the directory.htm

Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us
... was vindicated in the exercise of mercy, and sinners ... It is usual for those who have
been relieved ... effect a real, universal, permanent, and beneficial change of ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xix messiah suffering and.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... am quite sure the exercise will be most fitting and most beneficial. ... I am a drowned
debtor to the mercy of God ... it will also prove an attraction to those who are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... he said in addition: "But I will have mercy on the ... wholly requisite; and it is at
once beneficial and necessary ... And to those who have assumed the lead in doing ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... limited virtues, such as chastity, mercy, patience, meekness ... not profit, and administers
only what is beneficial. ... Those are particularly worthy instructions and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey.
... is with a grateful heart that I record the mercy of my ... The rest and quiet have proved
beneficial to my health ... of comfort and joy are allowed to those who really ...
/.../chapter xx from his return.htm