Topical Bible: Mercy: should be Shown: To Those That are in Distress

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Topical Encyclopedia

Mercy, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, reflecting the character of God Himself. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to those who are suffering, oppressed, or in any form of distress. This divine attribute is not only a reflection of God's nature but also a command for His followers to emulate.

Biblical Foundation

The call to show mercy is deeply rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for mercy, "chesed," often denotes loving-kindness and covenantal love. The New Testament continues this theme with the Greek word "eleos," emphasizing compassion and pity.

Examples of Mercy in Scripture

1. God's Mercy to His People: Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates His mercy to the Israelites, especially in times of distress. In Exodus 34:6, God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth."

2. The Parable of the Good Samaritan: In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the importance of showing mercy to those in distress, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Samaritan's actions exemplify true neighborly love and compassion.

3. Jesus' Ministry: Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by acts of mercy. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the sorrowful. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

4. The Beatitudes: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights the blessedness of the merciful: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This beatitude underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy in the life of a believer.

Practical Application

Believers are called to be conduits of God's mercy, extending it to those in distress. This includes:

· Helping the Poor and Needy: Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." Acts of mercy towards the impoverished are seen as service to God Himself.

· Forgiving Others: Mercy involves forgiveness, as seen in the Lord's Prayer: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Forgiveness is a profound expression of mercy.

· Comforting the Afflicted: In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Conclusion

The call to show mercy to those in distress is a divine mandate that reflects the heart of God. As believers, extending mercy is not only an act of obedience but also a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:37
And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus to him, Go, and do you likewise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Evil is Properly the Motive of Mercy?
... For, as shown above (Q[19], A[1]; [2590]FS, Q[79 ... it belongs to unhappiness that a
man should suffer what ... sinner's will, it may, in this respect, call for mercy. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether evil is properly the.htm

Whether Mercy is a virtue?
... mercy) "obeys the reason, when mercy is vouchsafed in such a ... that the movements of
the soul should be regulated by reason, as was shown above ([2597 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether mercy is a virtue.htm

Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent
... to her, and denied her His acts of mercy, yet she ... Jesus Christ, and it was answered
her, why should she appeal to that to which she had never shown due honour ...
/.../xi sermon for the second.htm

Counsel for Outward Behaviour.
... a sure hope of obtaining it from that very great mercy You have so often shown to
this ... and after like Mary,"that is to say we should prepare ourselves ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/ii counsel for outward behaviour.htm

On Kindness and Its Several Parts, Namely, Good-Will and ...
... wished that others, through knowing their example, should not perish. ... boasting about
it, rather than for mercy's sake ... time and place when and where it is shown. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxx on kindness and.htm

St. John Chrysostom (Ad 347-407)
... Greek, they agreed that one of them should go to ... of the favour which he had always
shown to Antioch ... said, no punishment could be so severe as undeserved mercy. ...
/.../chapter xx st john chrysostom.htm

Psalm CXII.
... mighty, than that the same kingdom should be worth ... without mercy unto him, since
he hath himself shown mercy. ... works of theirs, save works of mercy, are there ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxii.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, vi.
... Men's hearts are shown by the character of their works ... mind that has knowledge of
its God should turn away ... repentance he will find no place for mercy, as the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxvi on the feast.htm

Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God.
... we should before this have obtained from the divine mercy what we seek; nor should
we be ... And we have seen that which had been shown fulfilled; that while we ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle vii to the clergy.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... His providence is shown in sustaining all things ... of such inhuman cruelty, God forbid
we should be guilty ... Preaching heaven and mercy to thee, is entreating thee ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm