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The Gift Of Mercy - Understanding Mercy
Contributed by Efe Oluwatosin on Nov 11, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Being merciful is about choosing compassion, forgiveness, and understanding instead of judgment or punishment—even when you have the power or right to do otherwise. It’s a profound display of strength, rooted in empathy and wisdom, proving that kindness can be the strongest force of all.
What is mercy? Dive deep into its true essence! Imagine a force of kindness and compassion so powerful that it shines brightest when others least expect it. Mercy is the extraordinary act of showing kindness to those who may not deserve it and even can't repay it. It's about forgiving debts and abandoning rights to lend a helping hand, even at great personal cost. Experience mercy—where true strength lies in compassion beyond obligation.
Matthew 5:7 TPT
“How blessed you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.”
Matthew 9:13 NLT
“Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Hosea 6:6 NKJV
“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
?? **Short Prayer for Mercy**
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your mercy that never fails.
Fill me with Your Spirit today —
Help me see others through Your eyes.
Teach me to forgive, to speak with grace,
and to act with compassion.
Let my life reflect Your mercy everywhere I go.
In Jesus’ name, **Amen.**
****How to develop the spirit of Mercy
🔥 1. **Understand mercy as part of God’s nature**
Mercy is not merely a feeling but a divine attribute revealed through Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, a remarkable moment unfolds as God commands Moses to place the Mercy Seat atop the Ark of the Covenant. It is here, on this sacred space, that God meets with Moses, sharing divine instructions for the people. This powerful scene highlights the profound connection between God and His people, made possible only by His mercy.
Exodus 25:17-22 NKJV - The Mercy Seat
“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; hammered out you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat. The cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and within the ark you shall place the Testimony that I will give you. There I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything I give you in commandment to the children of Israel.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” — *Psalm 103:8*
James 2:13 NKJV
For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
To be merciful means allowing the Holy Spirit to reproduce God’s own heart within you. Mercy flows from the awareness of how much *He has forgiven and loved you*.
🙏 2. Live daily in gratitude for God’s mercy
When you recall how God uplifted and cleansed you, showing mercy to others becomes a natural response.
* Spend time in worship and thanksgiving: “Lord, thank You for Your mercy that found me.”
* The Spirit softens your heart when you stay close to the cross.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” — *Matthew 5:7*
💞 3. **Forgive as you’ve been forgiven**
Forgiveness is the most powerful act of mercy. It is challenging, but the Holy Spirit empowers you to release bitterness and bless those who have wronged you.
* Pray for them — even if your feelings resist.
* Speak forgiveness aloud; it breaks spiritual chains.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — *Ephesians 4:32*
🕊? 4. **Show compassion in action**
Mercy is *active*—it moves.
* Feed the hungry, comfort the broken, encourage the discouraged, and pray for the sick.
* The gifts of the Spirit (healing, prophecy, discernment) often manifest through mercy.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — *1 John 3:18*
Luke 6:36 TPT
“Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”
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