— From the distaff side —

God of Mercy

"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,  Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." — Ex 34:6,7a

God declared of Himself, “The Lord God, merciful and gracious.” Unger’s Bible Dictionary defines mercy as “a form of love determined by the state or condition of its objects ... one of suffering and need, while they may be unworthy or ill-deserving.  Mercy is at once the disposition of love respecting such, and the kindly ministry of love for their relief.” Webster’s describes it as, (1) "Forbearance from inflicting harm, esp. as punishment under provocation; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; (2) "Disposition to exercise compassion or forgiveness; willingness to spare or to help; (5) "Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate."

From Genesis to Revelation, God is revealed as the God of mercy Who fulfills every facet of the above definitions to the fullest.  Mercy is an integral part of His loving nature that pre-dated creation itself (1Jn 6:14a; 2Tim 1:9).  If fact, it was manifest in creation and in every divine deed following (Ps 136:1-9).  God’s love-birthed mercy is inseparably woven into Old and New Testament covenants.  Though we are unworthy and undeserving, His mercy endures and is lavished on all today; the outworking of His compassionate heart, a "love that passes knowledge" — Eph 3:19.

How well do we understand His mercy and its impact on our lives?  Meditating on scriptures such as the following can result in its deeper understanding and appreciation.  "For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds" — Ps 57:10.  "Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me" — Ps 66:20.  "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth" — Ps 86:15.  "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" —?Lam 3:22.  "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" — Ps 106:1.  "Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption" — Ps 130:7.

Let us draw near in praise and thanksgiving to He Who desires to be our personal God of mercy and Father of love ... and be blessed.  — D.

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