Humbled by Mercy

MERCY.

What comes to mind when you hear this word? One of the thoughts that I initially have is the game that we played as kids. You would clasp hands with a friend and try to do anything to make the other call, “Mercy!”

Or I think about another one of my mantras nowadays…”Lord have mercy!”

But one thing that really sticks out in my mind is an epiphany I had thanks to my fourteen-year- old brother.

One Sunday, Tammy called me and told me that my brother was speaking at their church.  The youth had an IMPACT weekend, and a few of them were asked to speak on certain words.  His word was mercy.  Tammy told me about it and said to watch the video of the 11:00 service live if I got a chance.  I huddled in the kitchen with my phone hoping that I could watch it somewhat uninterrupted.

He began by talking about the definition of mercy.  Mercy, by definition, is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.  It also means an event to be grateful for, especially because its occurrence prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering. 

He continued to expand on the definition of mercy and how God feels about it.  I continued listening in awe at how comfortable he was speaking on a stage, when all of a sudden he said, “I am going to use an example of mercy with my sister, Amy.” Of course everyone laughed, imagining where this could be going. 

“Amy couldn’t have babies of her own, so she had mercy on these two little babies—Sister and Little Man—so God then had mercy on her, and she had a baby of her own—Linebacker,” he explained.

I couldn't stop the tears.  Why did it take a fourteen-year-old to point this out to me?

God did have mercy on me, and He gave me the desires of me heart. I was so overwhelmed by the wise words and understanding of my little brother.  Once again… out of the mouths of babes.   

God’s mercy is for real.  He loves us and wants the best for us.  He has compassion for us. He gives us events to be grateful for that provide relief from suffering.  He is merciful.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”—Luke 6:36