For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

(James 2:13 ESV)

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

(Matthew 5:7 ESV)

According to Google, “Mercy is a kind and forgiving treatment shown to someone when you have the power to punish or harm them. It means choosing not to hurt or judge an offender, but offering pity, help, or a lighter punishment instead.”

Key Meanings

1. Forgiveness: Choosing to pardon someone or hold back a penalty they deserve.

2. Kindness: Acting with care and pity toward people who are weak, sick, or in trouble.

3. Power: Showing a soft heart when you are in a position of strength or authority over others.

Common Uses

1. Legal: A judge showing leniency or reducing a criminal’s sentence.

2. Religious: God’s loving pardon and patience toward human faults.

3. Everyday life: Being patient with someone who made a mistake instead of getting angry.”

I don’t know about you, but when someone decides to push my buttons, the last thing I want to do is show them mercy. But I am learning that we need to be more like Jesus. When He was hanging on the cross, He didn’t rain down fire on them.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34 NIV)

He asked God to forgive them. I’m not sure I would have been so kind. I might have wanted them to suffer like I was. Or maybe just have the ground open up and swallow them. But that was not the nature of Jesus. He was the very example of mercy. I say we strive to be like Jesus. Show your fellow man, or woman, mercy when they wrong you. Don’t bite their head off. Show them the kind of love that Jesus showed to everyone.

Have a fabulous day.

Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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