Posted on Jan. 15, 2025, 9:15 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
The Oxford dictionary defines ‘Mercy’ as compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. God’s mercy is described also, as the act of treating those in trouble with compassion, especially when it is possible to punish them. The Bible describes mercy as when God out of His love and kindness withholds punishment that one rightly deserves as a result of sin. The kind of mercy expressed to Adam and Eve after they had sin against Him. Aside from withholding their punishment, He provided covering for their nakedness (Gen.3:21) In the same manner, God showed mercy to the world by giving His only begotten Son to die for their sins so they could re-establish relationship with Him once again. (John.3:16) God’s mercy endures forever because God is eternal and it is God’s nature to be merciful. God’s mercy, did not only forgive, His mercy also meets our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. His provision for our daily needs, His correction and discipline to guide us to obedience, are all expressions of His mercy that endures forever. (Psalm.136:1-16) To someone reading this piece who is yet to enjoy God’s mercy, you are hereby encouraged to follow the process that brings one to receive the great mercy of God, which is called Salvation. Salvation process starts with one believing in one’s heart and then confessing the Lord Jesus with one’s mouth. The Bible says, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom.10:10) With the simple process, the word of God assures that, that someone has through mercy received the blessing of God. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” (Rom.4:7-8) To our brothers and sisters in Christ that have received salvation, we should come to realize that we are recipients of great mercy from God. It is bestowed on us as recipients of great mercy to apply mercy to others too. The Scripture says, “Therefore be merciful, just as your Farther also is merciful.” (Luke.6:36) In the parable of the unforgiving servant, (Matt.18:21-35) the king says, “Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?” (Matt.18:33) As God has done this in our lives through pouring His mercy into our hearts, we should do likewise. It is now our task to extend His mercy to others, to family, to friends, to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and even to the lost who needs a Savior. The practical way we can extend mercy to others can be by showing concern in their suffering. It may include assisting them in meeting their immediate needs relating to finance, health or emotional concerns. We should make it our aim to be Christ-centered rather than being self-centered. Evangelism To that someone that will like to follow the process of Salvation, kindly visit a Bible believing Church around you to receive the mercy of God that endures forever. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
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