part 1
the heart of mercy
Mercy is an attribute of the heart, that elicits a compassionate response to sin. When mercy exists in the heart, it cannot help but respond with compassion to people in need of grace.
Embracing Rather Than Judging
In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father is moved with compassion when he sees his son on the road. He could not contain his response. His heart was filled with mercy, so his hands and feet were compelled to respond.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
Mercy in the heart makes the response of embrace inevitable.
Liberating Rather Than Condemning
When Jesus was presented with a woman caught in adultery, he did not presume to sit on the judgement seat. Jesus chose the mercy seat.
It is true that God does judge sin. But judgement is reserved for people who refuse mercy, and who choose to continue in their sin. This woman was presented with mercy. Jesus said to her, “I do not condemn you; Go, and from now on sin no more.”
“Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.””
If our first response to sin is judgement, it closes the door to grace.
If our first response is mercy, we create a path to grace.
Jesus first response to people was always one of mercy.
Having Eyes of Mercy
Jesus saw sin as a sickness, and as a prison, and He came to heal the sick and set the captives free. Mercy understands that people can be victims of sin, and that no one can overcome their sin condition on their own.
Mercy has eyes to see people who are helpless to overcome their sin. It sees the prison of the sin nature from which people have no human escape. Mercy unlocks the prison door so that they might choose the grace of God.
