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Katididaustralia 66F
49 posts
8/22/2014 4:06 am
Mercy - A Dominant Quality Of Any Christian Congregation


All verses are quoted from the Standard American Edition of The Bible.

What really is mercy?
Is mercy only about the withholding of punishment?
How can we apply mercy?

HAPPY ARE THE MERCIFUL

Mercy is the active expression of compassion.
Jehovah God is rich in mercy and compassion and His mercy is evident in all His works.
We only have to look around us at creation to see His active mercy expressed.
Psalms 145:8+9 Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; Slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. Jehovah is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Jesus, being in perfect, like-minded union with His Father, constantly showed this quality in His ministry.
Matthew 20:29-34 And as they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us thou of David. And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us thou of David. And Jesus stood still and called them and said What will ye that I should do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him.
So mercy is not a negative keeping back of punishment but a positive action and expression of kindness, compassion and/or pity.

WE NEED TO BE CHARACTERISED BY MERCY IF WE ARE TO FOLLOW THE CHRIST.

So, what are your motives?
Do you make a showy display?
Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have received their reward but when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth that thine alms may be in secret and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

Is giving, mercy?
Sometimes, giving is a replacement for mercy but true mercy is always kind and it engenders mercy in others.
It also reflects Jehovah God.
Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
In this type of kindness we will be blessed but mercy should also be shown to all in both thought and deed.

What practical ways can we show mercy?
How can we make sure it reflects Christian standards?
Luke 10:33-35 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion and came to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine and he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow he took out two shillings and gave them to the host and said - Take care of him and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee.
If we are to show real mercy it needs to be in action and, when it is in our hand to do so, financial.
Luke 10:36+37 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Of course, mercy is also dependent on our own abilities and circumstances and we must not promise what we cannot fulfill.
Making our yes mean yes.
Proverbs 2:27+28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due. When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, go, and come again. To-morrow I will give. When thou hast it by thee.

We need also to consider our application of mercy and make sure of its outcomes and that it matches Jehovah Gods standards.
Harping on anothers shortcomings benefits no one and is not merciful.
Forgiveness, comfort and understanding is mercy in action.

Can we develop mercy?
Col. 3:10,12+13 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.....Put on therefore,...a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye.
Take active steps to clothe yourselves each day with tender affections and keep your guard up to continue showing a merciful attitude.
Matthew 5:Seven Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

Jah will approve of such a striving in us and His Holy Spirit will help us in providing the attributes of a merciful person.

Yours in study,
Katidid.

Rosaceae2007 123F
464 posts
8/26/2014 3:21 pm

you make some very good points, however they hold no value to me as the JW's doctrine has a completely different god - a different jesus, than that of the Christian faith - the God and Jesus of the Holy Bible.


Blessings,
Roscacea


The will of God never takes you where the Grace of God won't protect you.


Katididaustralia 66F
93 posts
8/26/2014 10:35 pm

Hmmm,...Roscacea,
I am afraid that your comment holds no value for me, likewise, as it makes utterly no sense whatsoever.
Different God? Different Jesus? It sure makes me wonder who you worship since there is only One True Living God.
Either what I have said has good points, as you say, or it doesn't.
Yours,
Katidid.


Rosaceae2007 123F
464 posts
8/27/2014 5:51 pm

ok Webling,
give me a few days to get the information together an i will post on my blog some of the difference and what i see as heretical teachings of the JW's
and Webling, just wondering are you a JW?
blessings
Rosaceae



The will of God never takes you where the Grace of God won't protect you.


Rosaceae2007 123F
464 posts
8/27/2014 5:54 pm

Katidid,
yes there is only ONE true living God.
i will post on my blog why i believe the JW's have a different God - Jesus as that of the JW's. however it will take me a few days as i have prior commitments.
blessings,
Rosaceae


The will of God never takes you where the Grace of God won't protect you.