Mercy Is Essential For Abundant Life

by Eric Elkin

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
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— Matthew 9:13

I desire mercy and not sacrifice. Think about those words for a moment. Let them rest with you as you prepare for your day. As you look ahead at the duties confronting you, how much of your day will be making sacrifices, and how much will it be about mercy? Could mercy — giving and receiving it — make a difference in the coming events of the day?

Let me invite you to consider another couple of questions. When you hear this statement of intent, do you think of Jesus? And, when you think of Jesus, is the person you see the one you meet in scripture or the headlines of news articles? Sadly, there are two things I have come to accept as a pastor. One, most people meet Jesus through headlines, and two, mercy is not the first thing they encounter.

The truth is, mercy is not a moneymaker. Based on research, profit makers know the general population prefers laws and commandments and the casting of judgment on those who fail to meet the standards of both. If you don’t believe me take a tour of any social media platform. We thirst for the sacrifice of others and show no mercy in doing so.

“The Good News is that God still loves the world through each one of you. You are God’s good news, you are God’s love in action.”

— Mother Teresa

This past month I watched a documentary on Netflix titled, Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist. The show covers the sad story of Manti Te’o, the former Notre Dame football player who was a very public victim of a catfishing scandal. We get to hear the inner thoughts of all those involved and impacted by the events of the scheme.

When Manti T’eo’s story broke, it was so mind-blowingly weird that one couldn’t help but laugh at it. Yet, as the documentary revealed, the events devastated many lives. Listening to each character explain their actions and reactions left me wondering, what if each had encountered mercy instead of sacrifice?

In the secular world, mercy is a weakness. Unfortunately, mercy is often invisible in public stories about Christianity. Yet, mercy is essential for an abundant life. The power it carries can transform the most hopeless of situations. So why are we so reluctant to embrace it in our own lives?

Let me be clear: God desires mercy, not sacrifice. Consider this as you move throughout your day. Look for opportunities to bring the words to life. Perhaps the one you need to grant mercy to is yourself, or maybe a co-worker or neighbor needs to receive it. Either way, watch how compassion can transform the world around you and inside of you.

Click to read: Matthew 9: 9-13

Reflection Questions:

Where do you find mercy?
Where do you feel a need for mercy?
How has your life been shaped by judgment? How much do feel an inner drive to make sacrifices?
When have you experienced the joy and peace of receiving mercy?

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