COMPASSION & MERCY (10)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Mercy And Compassion
a) In the Bible, the virtues of mercy and compassion are mentioned in various forms hundreds of times, especially in describing God’s nature. Instead of giving us what we deserve, God has shown mercy again and again, not to take away our responsibility, but to give us a chance to repent and be saved. We can ask ourselves: What have we done with that opportunity?
b) As undeserving recipients of God’s mercy, nothing else would be fitting than that we ourselves show unreserved mercy and compassion for other people. Indeed, we are commanded to be merciful as God is merciful! The Bible even speaks about compassion and care for animals. Compassion is to share the pain and suffering of others, and actively working to help them. Our greatest example in this is Jesus Himself, who took upon Himself human nature, giving His life to open a way of eternal salvation for us.
c) Can we also open our hearts to others, friends and strangers alike, and learn to love selflessly, as we have been loved?
2. Bible Verses
i) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
ii) “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)
iii) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
iv) “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
1. Mercy And Compassiona) In the Bible, the virtues of mercy and compassion are mentioned in various forms hundreds of times, especially in describing God’s nature. Instead of giving us what we deserve, God has shown mercy again and again, not to take away our responsibility, but to give us a chance to repent and be saved. We can ask ourselves: What have we done with that opportunity?
b) As undeserving recipients of God’s mercy, nothing else would be fitting than that we ourselves show unreserved mercy and compassion for other people. Indeed, we are commanded to be merciful as God is merciful! The Bible even speaks about compassion and care for animals. Compassion is to share the pain and suffering of others, and actively working to help them. Our greatest example in this is Jesus Himself, who took upon Himself human nature, giving His life to open a way of eternal salvation for us.
c) Can we also open our hearts to others, friends and strangers alike, and learn to love selflessly, as we have been loved?
2. Bible Verses
i) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
ii) “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)
iii) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
iv) “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
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