Human Care

(This is the second submission from a paper presented to the Western Regional Pastors/
Professional Workers Conference in October. We invite your response. Pastor Stieve)

Introduction ---

What are these about and what do they have in common?

“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” – Cannonball Adderley
“Lord, have mercy” – many folks
“Mercy me” – slang expression
“Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy” – the Church in worship

What distinguishes one from the others?

What is “A Theological ‘Rationale’ (reasoning, interpretation) for ‘Mercy’”?

God’s Word forms us
God’s Word informs us
God’s Word changes and moves us!

Simplistic Definitions:

“Grace” = “Getting what you do not deserve”

“Mercy” = “Not getting what you do deserve”

The Sinner’s need for mercy:

1) “All … fall short of the glory of God”
2) “Wages of sin is death”
3) “… saved, through faith, not of works …”
4) “No one comes to the Father except through me”

Our needs – where do they come into consideration?

– how important are they in God’s plans & responses?

We love … He loved first - “God is Love” – His very essence

We give … He gave first - God is Owner – Lord – King

We show mercy … He is merciful - “God is faithful” – will not contradict Himself!

What does this say to you?

Where Does It Begin?

Since God planned for the redemption of the world before Sin, Mercy was readily available when first needed: the Garden of Eden! As part of the nature, the attributes, of God, mercy makes an everlasting difference in the life of God’s sinful people. In An Explanation of the Small Catechism (CPH, 1986), we read: “Who is God?” The answer, in part, is,
“In His Word God has told us that He is … merciful (full of pity):
Jeremiah 3:12 “‘I am merciful,’ declares the Lord.”
Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because
of His mercy.”

Think what this means for sinful humanity. This is more than a second chance; this is the new life in Christ. This is the daily drowning and resurrection of Holy Baptism, through the Word and Spirit of God. This is the absolute promise, assurance and Hope of the final resurrection to Life everlasting!
Consider examples of Biblical persons who received mercy (as did all!).

Adam & Eve –
Cain –
Noah & family –
Abraham & Sarah –
David –
Solomon –
Peter –
Paul –
__________ –
__________ –

Why “Mercy”?

1. As God IS Mercy, and God GIVES Mercy, what difference does that make in my life? Some say it like this: “It makes ALL the difference!” True.
2. We have noted that “Mercy,” as defined and used by God, involves the broad spectrum from one’s spiritual health and well-being to the daily ability to function.
3. Under the everlasting GRACE of God, Mercy is central to my being a child of God --- it defines why Christ died for me, and why I am forgiven.
4. You and I need Mercy, because without this gift from God, we would be – now and forever – paying the debt for our sins!
5. Mercy affects (and effects) my ultimate standing before God, while it bears on my daily needs of this body and life.
6. Mercy – as best understood, defined and lived – is 1st, 2nd and 3rd Article material and reality, because God is One, and His Mercy endures forever!
7. My life of Mercy is formed and informed by God’s grace and Mercy to me – especially in the Person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ.
8. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive Mercy” --- a blessed statement of our Lord to His disciples, including us.
9. Works of Mercy display and help to define the faith we have by the grace of God, through the power of His Word and the work of His Spirit.
10. In the Name of Jesus, we live by Mercy, we plead for Mercy, and we share His Mercy through loving words and deeds to the neighbor … and to the glory of God!

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