Therefore Be Merciful

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Introduction

What does it truly mean to be merciful? Luke 6:36 says, “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Mercy goes beyond feelings of sympathy. It is compassion in action—a willingness to relieve the suffering of others. In this lesson, we will explore powerful examples of God's mercy in both the Old and New Testaments and examine how we, as Christians, are called to reflect that same mercy in our daily lives.

Mercy in the Old Testament

God's mercy has been evident since the beginning. He extended mercy to Lot and his family, rescuing them from the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:15–17). Even when Israel faced exile for disobedience, God promised mercy if they would return to Him (Deuteronomy 4:29–31). His enduring compassion is also seen in 2 Chronicles 30:9 and Nehemiah 9:31.

King David received mercy despite his sins (2 Samuel 24:10–14), and he recognized this in Psalm 103:8–14, praising God for His patience and lovingkindness. David also demonstrated mercy when he spared Saul's life multiple times (1 Samuel 24:8–12, 15, 17–19).

The Old Testament describes God’s mercy as ever-present: it is "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:23), "great" (Isaiah 54:7), and "enduring" (Psalm 136:1–26).

Mercy in the New Testament

Jesus, the embodiment of divine mercy, showed compassion to those in need. He healed a child with epilepsy (Matthew 17:14–16, 18) and gave sight to two blind men outside Jericho (Matthew 20:29–34). His earthly mission was rooted in mercy, as seen in Luke 1:67–72.

God's mercy is vividly expressed through Christ. As Paul explains in Ephesians 2:4–7, God's rich mercy raised us up with Christ, even when we were dead in sin. Our salvation is not earned, but given through mercy (Titus 3:4–6).

Mercy in the Christian's Life

Christians are called to mirror God's mercy. Colossians 3:12–13 urges us to "put on tender mercies," demonstrating compassion and forgiveness. Zechariah 7:9 reinforces this principle.

Mercy must be given with cheerfulness (Romans 12:8). Whether helping the sick, comforting the sorrowful, or supporting the poor, our actions should flow from a joyful heart.

James 3:17 teaches that godly wisdom is "full of mercy," highlighting its central place in the Christian life. Mercy even plays a role in saving souls, as Jude 22–23 describes rescuing those on the brink of spiritual destruction.

Finally, we must be merciful if we expect to receive mercy from God (Matthew 5:7). Mercy is not optional—it is essential.

Conclusion

We should thank God daily for His abundant mercy (1 Peter 1:3–5), which grants us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. If any sinner will turn from his ways, God will pardon freely (Isaiah 55:7). As believers, we can confidently approach God's throne and obtain mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let us live lives marked by mercy—reflecting the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Sermon Outline

Title: Therefore Be Merciful
Text: Luke 6:36

I. Mercy in the Old Testament

• God spared Lot and his family – Genesis 19:15–17
• Mercy promised to Israel – Deuteronomy 4:29–31; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Nehemiah 9:31
• God showed mercy to David – 2 Samuel 24:10–14; Psalm 103:8–14
• David showed mercy to Saul – 1 Samuel 24:8–12, 15, 17–19
• Mercy is: new daily (Lamentations 3:23), great (Isaiah 54:7), enduring (Psalm 136:1–26)

II. Mercy in the New Testament

• Jesus healed in mercy – Matthew 17:14–16, 18; Matthew 20:29–34
• God's mercy shown in Christ – Ephesians 2:4–7
• Christ's mission of mercy – Luke 1:67–72
• Salvation is by mercy – Titus 3:4–6

III. Mercy in the Christian's Life

• Put on tender mercies – Colossians 3:12–13; Zechariah 7:9
• Show mercy cheerfully – Romans 12:8
• Godly wisdom is merciful – James 3:17
• Rescue the lost with mercy – Jude 22–23
• Receive mercy by giving it – Matthew 5:7

Call to Action: Thank God for His mercy and show it to others. If you are in sin, turn to God and receive His abundant mercy. As Christians, let us approach His throne with confidence, to find grace and mercy in every time of need.

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