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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

MERCY

November 10, 2010

 Mercy is an interesting word. It comes from the same root as to pay a wage and "merchandise." A fee is paid in an exchange. Today mercy is an act of compassion usually on the part of the more "powerful" toward the one who is in trouble or obligated.

But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
- Psalm 41:10,11 TNIV

Here the Psalmist prays for mercy. It's a common prayer not only in the Psalms, but throughout the Bible. But let us be mindful that mercy is not a feeling, but an expensive act on the part of one toward another. The Psalmist prays not from a position of strength or that God owes something, but from the Psalmist's own need. In other words, "Spare me," "Do not give me what I deserve, but give me mercy."

Yet Jesus encourages us with the wisdom that our God is merciful. However, he urges the sobering reminder: Mercy received is mercy to be granted to others.

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson