“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
These words from Psalm 51:1-2 (NIV) were written by David after the prophet Nathan confronted him about the adultery he committed with Bathsheba. 1 Samuel 11 and 12 describe the sins of David, committing adultery with Uriah’s wife, trying to cover it up, sending Uriah to die in battle, and then having this sin exposed by Nathan.
This is one of the lowest moments of King David’s life, and at this moment, he cries out for mercy from God. What do we know? David has sinned. David deserves punishment. What is David asking for?
Mercy has many different facets, but a simple way of thinking about mercy is when a judge shows clemency, leniency, or mercy during sentencing. It is taking compassion on someone when it is well within someone’s power to cause them harm.
How is mercy portrayed in the Bible?
In the Bible, mercy takes the form of forgiveness or withholding a punishment that is deserved. The most powerful example of this is Christ. The just punishment for our sin is death, according to Romans 6:23. However, God demonstrated his love for us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:28 (NIV). And Romans 6:23 (NIV) goes on to say that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And this is where we need to bring in another word: Grace. It can be easy to confuse mercy and grace, but the example here is easy to understand. Mercy is God not punishing us with death for our sins. Grace is the undeserved gift from God—eternal life.
Living a life of mercy
In Matthew 18:23-27, Jesus describes what mercy looks like in a parable where a servant owed the king a debt. When the servant was not able to pay the debt, the king called for the servant’s wife and children to be sold to repay the debt. When the servant saw the steep price that would be paid for the debt, he begged the king for mercy.
The king then took compassion on the servant, canceled his debt, and allowed him to go. However, the story doesn’t end there. The same servant then refused to cancel the debt of another man who owed him money. When the king found out about how the servant had refused to show the same mercy that was granted to him, the king had the servant thrown in jail. And Jesus says, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Similarly, in Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), Jesus says:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
The message is clear. The mercy we receive in our lives from God should change the way we live.
How to show mercy to others
Showing mercy to people around you is sometimes easier said than done. Life isn’t fair. People can be mean. And the world can be unkind. And in turn, it’s easier to act in ways that do not reflect the mercy God has shown us.
However, consider these five ways that you can show mercy to everyone around you.
1. Be patient
Often, mercy starts with patience because it’s easier to jump to an “eye for an eye” when someone wrongs us, steps on our toes, or doesn’t meet our expectations. However, Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) calls us to something different when it says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
2. Help others
It can be easy to live your life with blinders on, ignoring the cries for help from people around you. Maybe it’s a friend who texted about a need they have. It could be a family member who has fallen on hard times. Or maybe it’s someone on the street who doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. How can you help? Jesus describes in Matthew 25:35-40 how when he returns he will recognize those who fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, invited in the stranger, clothed the naked, helped the sick, and visited the imprisoned.
3. Do good
Similarly, it can be easy to write people off or live a self-centered life that only looks after our own needs. This is particularly the case when someone wrongs or hurts us. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) paints a vivid picture of how we can live out mercy to those around us when it says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We’re called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
4. Speak slowly
Now, we don’t mean speaking at a slower cadence. What we do mean is to choose your words carefully, whether you’re speaking with someone in-person or replying to a comment online. Speak slowly. Think about the words you’re using and how they might impact the person receiving them, whether you think they deserve a harsh word or not. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” That means your conversations should be full of underserved gifts, showing mercy and grace.
5. Value people
This might be the simplest summation of all these points. If you value people, you will be patient with them. If you value people, you will help them when they’re in need. If you value people, you’ll do good for people, whether they deserve it or not. If you value people, you’ll choose your words carefully when you engage with them. Finally, if you value people, you’ll share the gospel of Jesus and reflect the love of Christ to them. Like Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 (NIV), “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
As you reflect on the mercy that has been shown to you, think about how you can extend that mercy to those around you.
