Goodness and Mercy

Carmen Ray-Calvo

Author

Carmen Ray-Calvo

Summary: Mercy is an eternal and infinite attribute of God; nothing we do changes his merciful heart. This truth strengthens our faith and encourages us to be merciful like our Father. In the life of Jesus Christ, we see God’s immeasurable love revealed. His mercy does not stop at feeling compassion: it acts on behalf of his people. Therefore, when our brothers and sisters are in need, we must do something to help them. We must also forgive offenses, unlike the servant in the parable who, though he had been forgiven, refused to show mercy to his fellow servant. May God guide us to live for his glory.

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In the Old Testament, several Hebrew words are used that convey the ideas of mercy (being merciful, having mercy, kindness, etc.). Mercy is one of God’s eternal attributes; it is infinite and inexplicable. God has always dealt with humanity according to His mercy. Nothing we do will change His merciful heart.

This is a truth that strengthens our faith in the Lord and should encourage us each day to desire to be merciful, just as our Father is.

The Bible is directed toward revealing God’s face to humanity. The very life of Jesus Christ on earth was a manifestation of our God’s incomparable and immeasurable love.

God’s mercy is not passive; it is active. God is moved to take actions that benefit His people. He does not simply look at us in a difficult situation and lament it; He bares His arm of mercy and acts on our behalf. This should be an example to us, so that we do not see a need in the lives of our brothers and sisters and merely say, “I’m sorry; I felt so bad.” As God’s people, we must be moved to mercy and do things for the good of those in need.

After the Lord Jesus had spoken with His disciples, Peter came to Him and asked, “How many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?” Through a parable in Matthew 18:23–35, He explained to them the importance of forgiving people their offenses—that is, the importance of showing mercy to those who owe them. The man in the parable had the blessing of being forgiven, but he did not have the compassion and mercy to do the same for his fellow servant. That is why the king gave him the punishment he deserved.

My prayer is that the renewing Spirit of our God will guide us each day to live a life that glorifies our God, bearing witness that we please Him in everything we do.