Mercy is one of those words we often hear about at church or on situations of conflict, but do we really understand what mercy really is?
Firstly here’s the dictionary definition of mercy:
- Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power; clemency.
- A disposition to be kind and forgiving: e.g. a heart full of mercy.
- Something for which to be thankful; a blessing: e.g. It was a mercy that no one was hurt.
- Alleviation of distress; relief: e.g. Taking in the refugees for an act of mercy.
So there’s the official definition of mercy. Now here’s another definition I heard someone use the other day, one which I personally prefer:
Mercy is the love given to another when the wound they caused is still bleeding.
No the challenge…are you merciful towards others? It’s not always easy to have mercy for others particularly towards those who have hurt us in the past. But through the power of God‘s great mercy for us, He is able to help us have mercy for other too – All you need to do is ask for His help.
The Distinct Dot 