Good morning. The word “mercy” is one with which we are familiar. Right? We have the dictionary definition of the word: Mercy – compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.
The Biblical understanding of the word “mercy” is a bit more complicated. There are several Hebrew words that are, at times, translated as mercy. One such word refers to God’s enduring love for His people, even when they are rebellious. In Psalm 85:10 we see a different word and idea for mercy that makes it more personal: Mercy and truth have come together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Another Hebrews word translated “mercy” indicates an unwavering loyalty, meaning that God’s mercy is fierce and certain regardless of our failures. Psalm 136 reflects this, using that word translated as mercy to say, “His mercy endures forever!”
One of the most intriguing uses of a word translated as mercy comes to us from Micah 6:8. The verse is preceded with a powerfully important question:
“With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:6-7
If it is our desire to feel righteous, to feel worthy, to feel as though we are safe in the presence of God, what is an appropriate offering or gift to present to Him as we come? Micah gives us a list that is reflective of the offerings and sacrifices that the Jews had been bringing to God in their daily worship, in accordance with the Law. Were these gifts, even in extreme measure, enough to ensure that God is pleased with us?
No. Micah 6:8 tells us what God truly desires from his people:
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God?
At the heart of God’s desire for His people is that we should “love mercy”. The word used in the Hebrew which is translated mercy is “he-sed”, which is also often translated as “loving kindness”. The word speaks of the state of our heart. The word includes the ideas of loyalty, steadfastness, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and of a gentle love.
Love mercy today. Show one another a tender heart of compassion and forgiveness. Be ready to show kindness in all situations with a heart known for its gentle love.
Vern