1. That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.
The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num 14.
As a total aside I must mention I love the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, the above definition is taken from it.
A week and 1/2 ago Joel and I were travelling home from the hospital when we were swiftly passed by a pick up truck which had inscribed on the back window in bold letters; EXPECT NO MERCY.
It really hit me, expect no mercy…. not me I depend on it. As I thought about it more I came to the conclusion that in a world devoid of God that is exactly what we would have. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “We love because he first loved us.”- 1 John 4:19 I think we could say, ‘we show mercy because He first showed mercy to us.’
I couldn’t help but be slightly saddened by someone wanted to display such a quote… I know it was probably meant ‘in fun’ but still. When I look at the definition of mercy above that is how I want to be treated and Lord willing how I want to treat others.
I am thrilled that ‘His mercies are new every morning,’ (my paraphrase of Lamentations 3:22-23). I wouldn’t want to live in a world where we ‘expect no mercy,’ do we deserve it… no… but that is what makes mercy – MERCY.
As I looked out at the fresh layer of snow sparkling in the sun, I couldn’t help but think of mercy. It is that fresh covering of white, covering over all our mistakes. Not taking them away but giving us that fresh clean start.
Of course, I couldn’t capture the beautiful sparkle but you can see the smooth layer that hides the many footprints and brown grass that was once there.
Now, of course, this snow was crying out for a snow angel and for those of you who have hinted at my sainthood you’ll notice the lack of halo… big wings though. I have to say I am glad that no one took a picture of me trying to stand back up without totally destroying my angel. Not the easiest task when you are almost 32 weeks pregnant. You can see some scuff marks as I scrambled to my feet. I found the whole thing oddly invigorating 😀 Blessings and MERCY to you all!!!!
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