Showing Mercy

The previous scene that you just saw is from 1984's Karate Kid.  In this particular part of the movie, the main character named Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio) visits a Karate Do Jo.  The Karate instructor tells his students to strike first, strike hard, and show no mercy to their opponents.  It is much like the world.  The world tells people to not show mercy to people.  After all, they do not deserve it...whoever they may be in the world's eyes.

In this scene, there is a group of guys chasing Daniel who is the Karate Kid.  The leader of the group, named Johnny, tells the group that, "An enemy deserves no mercy."  He has been taught that by his Karate instructor in the scene above.  It is human nature not to show someone mercy.  It is the flesh or the old sinful nature that does not want to show mercy to people.  It is also the world's way to do the human thing and kick someone when he is down or turn your back on someone when he is in need.

Did you notice though...later in this same scene that Daniel's friend, Mr. Miyagi, comes to his rescue?  Mr. Miyagi had compassion on Daniel.  He showed him mercy whether Daniel deserved it.  Mr. Miyagi came and picked up Daniel.  Then, he carried Daniel away from all of the trouble and the trouble makers.

That is a great picture of our Father God.  He is compassionate.  He shows mercy whether we deserve it.  He comes and picks us up out of the messes.  He carries us away from all of the problems and the people who cause problems for us. 

The Psalmist writes, "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."  (Psalm 86:15, NIV)

He also says that, "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion."  (Psalm 116:5, NIV)

Later, the Psalmist says that, "The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."  (Psalm 145:9, NIV)

Therefore, shouldn't we as God's Children want to be like our Father God? His way is the right way. Throughout His word, our Father tells us to show mercy and have compassion on people. He does not say to only do it if we feel like it. He does not say to only do it if we think they deserve it. No! He commands us to have compassion and show mercy to people. There are no if's, and's, or but's about it. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He also wants us to be just like Him. 

Luke tells us to, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."  (Luke 6:36, NIV)

It really is not our place to judge or withhold mercy from someone...anyone.  If it had not been for us initially receiving mercy when Jesus died on the cross for us, we would not have been saved by grace through faith in Him.  (Ephesians 2:8)  We would not be Children of the Almighty God at this time.  We also would not be the people God had created us to be right now. 

Matthew says that, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

God's ways are just the opposite of the world's ways.  God will bless people who show mercy to others.  He will have compassion on people who also have compassion on other people.

The Apostle Paul instructs us to, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Therefore, when you see or know of someone in need, help that person.  Have compassion!  Show mercy!  You will be blessed in more than one way by God the Father.

Who knows?!?!  You may be that person who is in need some day.  You may need someone to have compassion and show mercy to you one day.  So, be aware.  Be compassionate.  Show mercy.  Be the great caring person God created you to be for His purpose.


Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.