Equipped#7 - Equipped To Care Series

EQUIPPED TO CARE:

Showing Mercy

Introduction

Today, we are concluding our visit to God’s Workshop as we see the various tools he is creating to serve in the Kingdom. In the book of Romans is a core theme of accepting and working together with your brothers and sisters, even if there are major differences between you.

In chapter 12 Paul begins with the transformation that comes from the gospel. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)”...Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” That transformation and renewal recognizes that GOD Equips us with skills and abilities that bring unity and strength to the Body of Christ.

We’ve seen how God equips His people with gifts like prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, and leadership. Today we come to the seventh gift: mercy.

The Seventh gift is mercy.

- Michael Fox: The ability to bring comfort and aid to the afflicted.

- Lexham Theological Wordbook defines Mercy as, “Taking pity on someone or sparing them from something.”

- Mercy is an action word - taking action to alleviate the suffering of others.

Our text translated…

-AMPC he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.

- NCV Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.

- NIV if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

- NLT And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Bradford Reaves notes, “These gifts are not for personal glory but for the building up of the church.”

1. God is the Model of Mercy

From Genesis to Revelation, God shows His Mercy when He acts on behalf of those who are in trouble. Mercy is when God, out of His lovingkindness, withholds punishment that we rightfully deserve because of our sin. In Genesis, God shows His Mercy to Adam and Eve by providing a covering for them after they had sinned against Him (Genesis 3). Throughout Scripture, God reveals His merciful character:

-God is “the Father of mercies” (2 Cor. 1:3)

-God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4)

-God`s mercy is great (Daniel 9:9)

-God is merciful to those who are undeserving of it (Romans 9:15-16)

God showed us His great Mercy when He gave His only son to die for a world of people who are in need of rescue. Sin separated us from God and He took pity on us. Jesus paid the price for our sin which we could not do.

1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”

Because of Christ, I have eternal life. God be praised!

In Titus 3:4–7, the apostle Paul shares that God’s mercy is revealed in Jesus Christ: “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

2. How Should Believers Show Mercy?

Speak mercy (words of kindness, sharing truth).

-Tell others about Christ - the news everyone needs to hear!

-Speak kindly to someone who needs to be comforted during a critical time in their life.

-Colossians 3:12 “...clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Show mercy (acts of compassion, meeting needs).

-Demonstrate concern for others in their suffering.

-Listen to those who struggle and share truth with them.

-Meet needs of those who cannot help themselves.

-Watch for occasions to show random acts of kindness, making the world a better place for strangers.

Share mercy (giving, patience, forgiveness).

-Donate to organizations that help others by donating clothing, food, and other resources.

-Be patient with others' shortcomings and mistakes. Patience is a component of mercy.

-Luke 6:36-37, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not

condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

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

Mercy is one of the core characteristics of Christians.

If you wonder what mercy looks like today, listen to the testimony of refugees. Darren Carlson, the President of

Training Leaders International, shared this conversation with refugees while visiting Christians in Athens. They said:

“I left my country, and everywhere on my way to Greece, there were Christians. As I left my country, Muslims were literally shooting at me and my family. But in Turkey and Greece, Christians have welcomed me, clothed me, and fed me. When I got off the boat, it was Christians that were passing out food and water. When I came to Athens, it was Christians who gave me a shower, helped me with a medical issue, and gave me a meal with spices from my home. I became a Christian because they were so different than Muslims.”