We are commanded to "be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), but what does this mean practically speaking?
There are many examples of Jesus performing acts of healing in the Bible, specifically in the book of Matthew. In chapter nine alone, we read of Jesus forgiving and healing a paralyzed man (verses 1-8), raising a girl from the dead (v. 18-19), healing a sick woman (v. 20-26), restoring the sight of two blind men (v. 27-31) and giving a voice to a mute man (v. 32-33). All of these acts are miracles and representations of the mercy and compassion shown to others by Jesus. Jesus was and is merciful; God is a merciful God. The Bible makes this very clear:
“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins—it is by grace you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:4-5
Therefore, shouldn't we, as followers of Christ and heirs of the kingdom of God, also show mercy to those around us? Even more, shouldn't we genuinely want to? Aren't we called to serve God and others? We are commanded to "be merciful, just as [our] Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), but what does this mean practically speaking? How can we show mercy in a world that demands more time, money, and attention... everywhere we look? I think it's helpful to break it all down.
What is mercy?
The literal definition of mercy comes from the Greek root eleos, which directly translates to "kindness or goodwill toward the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them" (Bible Study Tools). In the Bible, we see God's mercy shown to us. Still, Jesus also instructed His disciples to go, learn and show this mercy to others as well: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). His command is very clear here. In Matthew, chapter nine, Jesus also said, "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'" (Matthew 9:13). Could it be that Jesus is saying He would rather see us, His followers, show mercy, kindness, compassion, and service even more than something as holy as a sacrifice? Could it be that He delights when we are merciful to others because He was and is merciful to us? He gives us freedom because He loves us, but it's ultimately up to us to choose how we use that freedom:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
Rather than living as though we are entitled and deserve service from others, I've learned it's much more fulfilling to live with an others-centered mindset. Personally, I would rather be known as someone who gives "too much" rather than too little to and for the kingdom of God. His work is the only work worth dedicating my life to, which is why I've built my life on His promises. This does not mean allowing others to walk all over me, but it does mean putting others before myself when it matters. Not only is this fulfilling, but it's also quite biblical: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10).
What can we do?
In our fast-paced, self-centered world, we can easily tend to lose sight of those who suffer the most. However, we are called to remember those who cannot help themselves: "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just" (Luke 14:13-14).
So, when we see people in need, rather than turning the other way or expecting someone else to step in, we have a calling to show mercy and compassion like Jesus did and does. He doesn't ask us to hold grudges, judge others or punish sinners based on our own account: "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged" (Matthew 7:1). He asks us to serve others with kindness and love: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:35-40). People can and need to see Jesus and His love through good, selfless works performed by His children here on earth.
This is mercy in action.
Twelve years ago, my husband and I felt called by God to sell everything we had, leave the comforts of America and move to Haiti, where we've been honored to serve the Lord through the ministry of LiveBeyond. As we realized the significant gap that exists in providing love and support to families of children with disabilities, we established the "Johnny's Kids" program – named after my brother, who had Down syndrome.
Johnny's Kids enrolls children from throughout the Thomazeau region, who will then receive proper nutrition, education, and healthcare. Most importantly, they will be shown the love, attention, and care they deserve and need. In the Gospel, there is an instance when a father brought his child to Jesus for healing. He cried out, "Jesus, have mercy," and Jesus healed the child. This is the kind of work we seek to do. We have a desire to care for vulnerable children with disabilities who have no advocate.
This is why we established a second Johnny's Kids program in Israel. Fathers of children with disabilities in Middle Eastern cultures are more likely to abandon their children than to seek help for them. We see over and over again in Scripture Jesus' heart for the poor, the orphans, and widows. We know he cares about those who have no one else, and we know it is our calling to follow in His footsteps and have that kind of love for the downtrodden.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Wojciech Kozielczyk
Laurie Vanderpool is cofounder of LiveBeyond, a faith-based humanitarian organization bringing medical and maternal healthcare, clean water, education, community development and the gospel of Jesus Christ to the oppressed in Thomazeau, Haiti. LiveBeyond’s work continues there despite the current upheaval in Haiti, offering a place of safety and refuge outside the turmoil in Port-au-Prince.
