Mercy

I love meaning of words. You know, we hear words ALL the time but how often do we really know what the meaning of a word is?

Take mercy for example. It's all in the Bible. I've heard the WORD all my life. But I've only truly heard it defined as- "God not giving you what you deserve" oh, wait...maybe it's "God giving you what you don't deserve"...no...wait is that grace? Do you see how confusing that is? And both explanations are so incomplete.

Mercy was the subject this morning in my "Grandmother's Prayers" devotional book...and I thought, "What really is mercy?"

"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy," Jesus, (Matthew 5:7)

Mercy: 

1) compassion or forbearance (refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due) shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power 

2) a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion 

3) compassionate treatment of those in distress

(Merriam Webster)

Strongs:

Greek 1656 eleos: compassion, pity

Hebrew 2617 kataisxyno: lovingkindness

Blessed are those who choose to be compassionate and forbearing when owed, offended or harmed and in turn treat that one who owes, has offended or harmed with lovingkindess. For you, too, will be shown compassion, forbearance and lovingkindness.

The merciful receive exactly what they have been given. Mercy receivers show be mercy givers. The reverse is true as well. Those who offer mercy with an open heart and open hand enjoy the limitless mercy of God.- Kay Swatkowski

"Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" Matthew 18:33