Christian Family Services Ministry

9-12-2023 – A Word to the Wise – THE ACQUISITION OF MERCY: Why And how

Patience is obtained through endurance of unpleasant situations or circumstances. How often I hear, “I will not ever pray for the Lord to teach me patience again.” Usually, this follows a very trying experience. The person is unwilling to undergo the character training necessary to produce the character quality of patience.

The character quality of Mercy is obtained in much the same manner; however, it involves the experience of significant pain, emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. Acquiring Mercy is very painful. Not long ago, I was explaining to a client the painful process necessary if one was to develop the trait and its benefit to others. The individual let me know quite bluntly they had no desire to acquire Mercy, they would do just fine without it. How unfortunate. It reminds me of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus wanting to be a disciple. Once learning the cost, he decided to choose a different path.

So, it is with Mercy. Perhaps we should offer a glimmer of insight into the benefits of the merciful before we count the cost. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, tells us that the one who is merciful will obtain Mercy. We will see something of the value of that blessing shortly.

Recently there was a film release, which symbolizes just how important Mercy is in the lives of others. Stephen King’s popular serial released book set in Louisiana circa 1935 was adapted for film in 1999. It portrays a death row prisoner John Coffey found guilty of murdering two nine-year-olds. Coffey is discovered holding the bodies of the children in his lap. Coffey, played by Michael Clark Duncan, a huge 7-foot 330-pound black man awaits execution on what is known as the Green Mile. Paul Edgecomb, played by Tom Hanks, is one of the guards responsible for his eventual execution.

The central thought for us is how the trait of Mercy is portrayed. A miraculous element is suggested; however, I believe that this ability is obtainable and useable by those who desire to make the necessary sacrifices. The cycle displayed in the movie is reminiscent of the actual stages of a Mercy employing these abilities experiences.

First, Mercy observes one hurting. The source of the pain may be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Second, Mercy places himself in contact with the person hurting. Three, Mercy takes the pain off the other person. Fourth, there is an awareness on the part of the Mercy that a transfer of pain has occurred and that they are now hurting. Fifth, the Mercy then goes through the process of giving up the pain to the Lord. Sixth, deep fatigue sets in. Seventh is the recovery stage.

These different stages are necessary for Mercy if he is to successfully reduce the suffering. Each stage requires training brought about by a lifetime of painful experiences, and an unselfish willingness to take another’s pain. Now why would anyone want to go through all of this pain? Is it worth it? God’s Word tells us that this is exactly what Jesus did for us and leaves us with the example that we might do it for others.

Who are those most apt to develop these skills? First of all, those who have been given the gift of Mercy which represents about 30 % of the general population. Second-born children are another group representing a large segment of society who tend to desire this trait. A combination of the two, one possessing the gift of Mercy and second-born individuals, makes the ability very intense. Material on the Motivation Gifts gives more details on all seven gifts, particularly the gift of Mercy.