Theology Proper: Characteristics Of God Part 2 Series

This is often forgotten in our churches. If we truly understood this characteristic of God, we would plead with him for mercy on behalf of our nations, our communities, our families, friends, etc. The Lord’s Prayer sets this as an abiding principle for the church: “Forgive us our sins.” In fact, Scripture says that God seeks after people who will pray this way. Ezekiel 22:30 says this: “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none” (emphasis mine).

Do you ever ask for mercy over the sins of others? This is the same thing we saw the prophet Amos do for the nation of Israel (Amos 7:1-6). It is the same thing Moses did as he constantly asked God to forgive the nation of Israel for their sins (Ex 32:9-14). It is the same thing Stephen did as he asked for forgiveness over those stoning him (Acts 7:60). It is the same thing that Christ prayed for on the cross. “Lord, forgive them for they know not what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). It is the same thing we must constantly do for those around us. God has called us to be priests that make intercession for people who are far away from God (1 Peter 2:9, 1 Tim 2:1-4).

3. God’s mercy should compel believers to practice mercy.

The Beatitudes give mercy as a continuing attitude and action of the redeemed. Listen to Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

In the Beatitudes, Christ is teaching the attitudes that are within those who are truly part of the kingdom of God. With this specific attitude of mercy, Jesus gives a reciprocal promise. He says mercy will be given to those who have shown mercy. Those who practice mercy in their daily lives: forgiving others, giving to the poor, etc., will always receive mercy from God. But those who do not show mercy, God will show his justice. Matthew 6:15 says: “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Certainly, this should be a warning to us. If we withhold mercy, God will withhold mercy from us—he will not forgive us. But even worse than withholding mercy, he will judge us for not being merciful as he is. Listen to the end of the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant:

Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 18:33–35

Christ declared that torment awaited those who were not merciful. This torment is probably implemented by demons as seen with Saul and those in the early church who were handed over to Satan (cf. 1 Sam 16:14, 1 Cor 5:5, 1 Tim 1:20). How many Christians are under demonic torment because of a grudge they hold against somebody that hurt them or because they have been harsh towards others instead of merciful? This is a warning Christ gave to his Apostles and certainly we must heed it as well.