Topical Encyclopedia Mercy, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, particularly to the poor, as an expression of God's love and justice.Biblical Foundation The call to show mercy to the poor is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, the Law given to Israel includes numerous provisions for the care of the poor. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This command reflects God's heart for the needy and His desire for His people to act with generosity and compassion. The Book of Proverbs also highlights the virtue of showing mercy to the poor. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse underscores the spiritual principle that acts of mercy towards the poor are seen and rewarded by God Himself. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches the importance of mercy. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declares, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This beatitude emphasizes that mercy is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility, promising divine favor to those who practice it. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates the call to show mercy. In this account, a Samaritan man demonstrates compassion and care for a wounded traveler, regardless of ethnic or social barriers. Jesus concludes the parable by instructing His listeners to "Go and do likewise," urging them to extend mercy to those in need. Apostolic Exhortations The apostles continue this teaching in their epistles. James 2:15-16 challenges believers, "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?" This rhetorical question emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through merciful actions towards the poor. The Apostle John echoes this sentiment in 1 John 3:17 : "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?" Here, John links the expression of God's love with the practical demonstration of mercy to those in need. Practical Application The biblical mandate to show mercy to the poor calls for practical action. Christians are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, support social justice initiatives, and advocate for policies that uplift the marginalized. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a beacon of mercy, reflecting God's love through tangible acts of kindness and support for the poor. In summary, the Bible presents a compelling case for showing mercy to the poor, rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This call to action is a vital aspect of living out the Christian faith, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love in a broken world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 14:31He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but he that honors him has mercy on the poor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 4:27 Library Mercy must be Freely Shown Even Though it Brings an Odium of Its ... The Mercy of God The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the ... The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent We must Strive for Preferment Only by Right Means. ... Psalm CXII. Acts xi. 19 On Kindness and Its Several Parts, Namely, Good-Will and ... 1 Timothy i. 1, 2 Resources What is the definition of mercy? | GotQuestions.orgHow do God's mercy and justice work together in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mercy: After the Example of God Mercy: Beneficial to Those Who Exercise Mercy: Characteristic of Saints Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Mercy: General Scriptures Concerning Mercy: should be Shown with Cheerfulness Mercy: should be Shown: To Animals Mercy: should be Shown: To Backsliders Mercy: should be Shown: To Our Brethren Mercy: should be Shown: To the Poor Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress Mercy: The Israelites to the Man of Beth-El Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph Mercy: To be Engraved on the Heart Mercy: Upholds the Throne of Kings The Mercy of God is his Delight The Mercy of God is Part of his Character The Mercy of God: A Ground of Hope The Mercy of God: A Ground of Trust The Mercy of God: Epaphroditus The Mercy of God: Filling the Earth The Mercy of God: High As Heaven The Mercy of God: Manifested in Long-Suffering The Mercy of God: Manifested in Salvation The Mercy of God: Manifested in the Sending of Christ The Mercy of God: Manifested with Everlasting Kindness The Mercy of God: Manifested: To his People The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Repentant Sinners The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Returning Backsliders The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Afflicted The Mercy of God: Manifested: To the Fatherless The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Them That Fear Him The Mercy of God: Manifested: To Whom he Will The Mercy of God: New Every Morning The Mercy of God: Over all his Works The Mercy of God: should be Magnified The Mercy of God: should be Pleaded in Prayer The Mercy of God: should be Rejoiced In The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Others The Mercy of God: should be Sought for Ourselves The Mercy of God: Typified: Mercy Seat Related Terms |
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