1 Tim 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Meditations on Mercy
English: An image of Psalm 23 (King James’ Version), frontispiece to the 1880 omnibus printing of The Sunday at Home. Scanned at 800 dpi. Français : Illustration du Psaume 23 (version autorisée par le roi Jacques), en frontispice de l’édition omnibus du Sunday at home. Version numérisée à 800 dpi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The second element in Paul’s blessing upon Timothy is mercy. Mercy and grace work hand-in-glove. Mercy is a manifestation of grace. A quick word study reveals that the original Greek word translated as “mercy” in this verse is ἔλεος (Transliteration: eleos, Phonetic Pronunciation:el’-eh-os); meaning: compassion (human or divine, especially active):- (+ tender) mercy (Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, n.d.). Mercy is compassion, which implies an ability to understand the suffering of others. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had compassion upon mankind. Jesus suffered, just as we suffer. His suffering means He understands us in a personal way. The Bible says:
Hebrews 4:15 King James Version (KJV) 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
What Is Mercy?
According to Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the word mercy entered the English language in the 13th Century. It is from the Anglo-French word, merci, from the Medieval Latin merced-, merces, and from Latin meaning “price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise.” Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary further states that mercy “implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.” In love, Jesus gave His life to pay the price or wages of sins committed for all time. His sacrificial death was an act of mercy.
The Work of Mercy
Studying the origins of the word mercy sheds light on the character of God, Who in His mercy, made it possible for men and women to be saved from the sure manifestation of His wrath, which is the just payment for sin. He did so by sending His Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was resurrected so that we, through faith in Him, could be made true children of God. We are saved from death because the price was paid. The work of mercy is salvation. The work of mercy is eternal life. Have faith in Jesus. Mercy!
Bible Verses About Mercy
The Bible mentions mercy many times. What are some of the ways God has shown you mercy? Take time to thank God for His mercy. Here are some Bible verses to help you meditate on mercy today. Taking a generous helping. The table is full!
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;Psalm 4:1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 32:10
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.Psalm 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Psalm 103:17
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;Psalm 118:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Habakkuk 3:2
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.Romans 9:15
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.James 5:11
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
My next post will discuss peace.
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
Twitter handle:@vlights
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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