“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
full of mercy
“Mercy” is the outward manifestation of compassion. A merciful person is someone who shows compassion, pity, or clemency. A person who exercises mercy empathizes with the person who receives his mercy. He also has the resources to give mercy. Mercy is the willingness to reach out and touch someone in need – the willingness to help someone. This person learned grace and gives grace to others.
Luke 1:50, “And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.”
Heb. 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Gal. 6:16, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
Mt 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.”
Evidence of divine wisdom is someone full of mercy. This shows his understanding of applying principles of Scripture to experience. He can forgive and expresses a heart of kindness to those around him.
The word “full” indicates the extent of mercy. Divine viewpoint does not hold back with paltry mercy but extends mercy fully. It is one thing to be merciful, but it is yet something more to be “full of mercy.”
PRINCIPLE:
Divine viewpoint produces mercy full of grace in action.
APPLICATION:
Mercy extends a hand to miserable people. This believer has the capacity to see another Christian in need and tries to help any way he can. Mercy is grace in action.
Grace always precedes mercy. God favored us first; we favor others secondly. We freely give favor to others because God freely gave favor to us. We do not require others to merit favor before we relate to them. We give to them freely, without charge. We expect nothing in return. Grace paves the way for mercy.
Eph 2:4, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…”
Ti 3:5, “…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…”
Jude 21, “…keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
The Christian goes beyond grace in that he willingly gives mercy to those in need. The Christian does not despair in his grief toward others because he seeks a solution for their need. He takes a constructive position toward pain. He addresses misery with grace.
How many times have we vilified Christians for their misdeeds? Yet, mercy does not require that they deal with their guilt before we extend our mercy. We delight in assuaging pain regardless of who they are.
Ga 6:1-2. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
