“Lord, Have Mercy!” As a boy growing up in the south, I would hear that phrase several times a week, every week.  I think most of the people who would say “Lord, Have Mercy!” would say it, part out of frustration and part as a prayer.  The reality is that we all need some mercy.  As for me, I need more than some mercy, I need a lot of mercy and I am thankful that God supplies it!

Jesus Was All About Mercy! Jesus came to earth on a mission of mercy!  Hebrews 4:14-16 says: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus became human and got into our skin and this is exactly what mercy is all about!

Mercy is much more than just concern for people and their needs. Mercy is about getting inside of the other person’s skin, seeing life from their perspective and being moved to do something about what you see.  Mercy is messy work!  When you see life through the eyes of another, or when you feel the sting of pain that burns another, or when you identify with the needs of another, then you begin to understand another and are prepared to show mercy to another!

We all need mercy and God has given it to us! We deserve Hell and eternal separation from God, but God in mercy does not give us what we deserve, instead He offers us His love, which provides grace, mercy and forgiveness and all that we have to do is accept these amazing gifts and our lives will change!

Since God has given these gifts to us – we should give these gifts to each other! Who do you need to show some mercy?  I encourage you to make a list, begin to try to see life from the other person’s perspective and have mercy!