What did we do to deserve it?
The dictionary defines mercy as:
Compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment especially to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty. A blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.
Mercy is such a little word which holds so much power. Without it we are condemned. Our condemnation comes from the sin that entered the world in the garden, and we are partakers of every day. Why should anyone show mercy to anyone else? Because it is what God taught us by giving us mercy, through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. Mercy is a beautiful thing, given when it is least deserved. We can show mercy in many ways, like turning the other cheek, helping the poor, and being kind to one another.
Here is a poem that describes mercy: Portia, in William Shakespeare, 1594 The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1
The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The thronèd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings;
It is an attribute to God Himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
No one deserves mercy, but God is willing to give it to all who ask for it. There need be no reason for anyone to suffer eternal damnation, if we just pray for mercy.
As parents we need to live what we try to teach our children. That means, don’t have wars with your neighbors, co-workers, or family members. Always show mercy and mercy will be shown to you, and by that, taught to your children.
We as writers like to us the expression, “throw yourself on the mercy of the court,” in our writings. What that means, is hope the judge will have compassion on you. This idea is Bible based and it is what we all hope for; is the mercy of the Lord. It is ours for the asking.
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lamentations 3:22-23
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 6:8
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:36
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I Peter 1:3-5