Mercy is probably the flag of God’s army. Our God is a merciful God and He has instructed us to be merciful to all, irrespective of sinners or saints, creed or caste. As we go about with a passion for compassion, there are seven principles that need to be considered.
1. The Mercy-over-Law Principle
God gave us the ten commandments and the laws. But even in the Old Testament, mercy superceded the law. People wanted to stone and kill a woman caught in adultery but Jesus chose to forgive her. The lawers ended up with rotten egg all over their faces. By law Mary would have faced the same barbaric fate, had not Joseph, a righteous man intended to secretly put her away to spare her public disgrace. People, righteous at heart were always able to discern when to apply the law and when to dispense mercy. Mercy alone transfigures the human heart.
When Hezekiah celebrated the Passover, many ate the Passover without going through the purification ritual, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God... even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary. And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people” (2Chr 30:18,19). While Jesus was dining in Matthew’s house, the crooks came and sat with Him, probably uninvited. The Pharisees were upset and questioned Jesus’disciples about the way He acted. Jesus shot back, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mt 9:13) meaning sinners need mercy. Jesus lived under the old covenant and sinners were off limits for Him. Under the law sinners were severely punished. No embrace, no love, no mercy for them. Jesus chided their spirit of condemnation.
In another incident when Jesus was strolling with His disciples through a field of ripe grain, the hungry disciples started munching the grain. The Pharisees were upset that they broke the Sabbath rules. Jesus again quoted the same verse and said: “If you had known what these words mean: I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent” (Mt 12:7). Though they broke the law they were innocent, because they were hungry. Here again we see mercy triumphs over judgment! (Js 2:13). We see how the heart of Jesus was focused on mercy rather than the law. Jesus felt He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel. But when a Canaanite woman begged for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus could ignore her no more. He gave in (Mt 15:24).
We take out the calculator to see how much tithe we should pay, but we leave out the weightier matters of the law — fairness, compassion and faithfulness (Mt 23:23). Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath to the chagrin of the Pharisees. For them law was supreme, but for Jesus, mercy came first (Lk 6:9).
There are exception to any rule. Let us not deny mercy to anyone for the sake of a rule. We must treat people not by law but by mercy, though often we need to balance both. The king forgave the debt of his servant when he fell at his feet and cried. That’s mercy over law. But he himself throttled his debtor’s throat, putting him in prison by legal means. It blew up the whole deal with the king.
A 10 year old accident victim was brought to me unconscious, when I was on night duty. I could see he was bleeding inside his skull. A simple burr-hole to let out the blood would save his life. We had neither a surgeon nor the instruments to do it. The strict rule of our hospital was we should not refer any patient to another hospital. I called the father, explained to him the situation and made him sign in the chart under “Discharged against medical advice” and quickly packed him off to the nearby hospital. The next day the father came and told me that the boy was immediately operated and doing well. No regrets for my disobedience.
“... to love your neighbour is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mk 12:33).
2. The Body Principle
Compassion to your own brother in faith is stressed in the Scriptures. “If there is a poor man among your brothers ... do not be hard hearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother” (Dt 15:7).
We are the body of Christ, and each believer is a part of it. “If one part suffers every part suffers with it” (1 Cor 12:26a). We cannot isolate a poor believer from the body of Christ. It will contradict nature if a woman in labour pain will be merrily singing or a man with a renal colic (called the labour pain of men) dancing a waltz. But that’s what is happening today. We see so many believers in dire need but care the less for them. When they are weeping, we are in a party merry-making.
Severe famine was ravaging the Roman Empire. The disciples made a collection and sent it for the brothers living in Judea (Acts 11:29). The Macedonian believers were pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians so that they could bring a trace of smile to the deadened faces (2 Cor 8:3,4). The early church had a project for their believing widows (Acts 6:1).
John hammers this principle in his first epistle: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1Jn 3:17). In his third epistle John appreciates Gaius for taking in traveling evangelists who were strangers to him and showing them hospitality (3 Jn 3-8). The Message Bible translates it as, “Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible ... It’s good work you are doing.” Don’t think it a burden to accommodate and feed missionaries on camp or traveling. That’s why we are blessed — blessed to bless!
Though the early church was out for humanitarian work among the disadvantaged, it’s first concern was those who came into the community of faith. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10). If you consciously avoid opulent living you will have enough for your brothers and sisters in Christ. A little restructuring of our lifestyle will do the trick. Why should we go from S to M to L to X L and XXL?
Here’s what Gandhiji said about endless wants: “Civilization in the real sense of the term consists not in the multiplication but in the deliberate and voluntary reduction of wants, which promotes real happiness and contentment and increases the capacity for service. One can reduce one’s wants by perseverance, and the reduction of wants makes for happiness — a healthy body and a peaceful mind.”
When you sit in the Church, look around for anyone who may be in need and consider how you can bring back the brightness in their lives. During inflation we should not cut down our help to poor believers, so we can manage the price hike, rather think how the other side will manage hard times and increase our giving.
I watched in the Discovery Channel a pride of lions attacking and wounding a lone bison. Just then the herd of bisons saw that and rushed to the spot. They fought with the pride tossing them one by one by their horns and returned to the wounded bull. As the pride waited for the herd to leave so that they could get at their prey, the herd surrounded the fallen animal, licked its wounds, prodded him to get up on his legs and walked away, keeping the wounded bison in the centre of the herd. That’s the lesson humans have to learn from animals.
3. The Class-act Principle
Class act is what we do out of the ordinary, a gallant act. The mercy that the world shows to the needy is excellent. But what we do must be par excellent. That’s what God expects.
God was very angry with Babylon because the Babylonians did not show Israel any mercy. God was fed up with His people and turned them over to their enemies as punishment. But He expected clemency. Sadly they harshly treated them putting the old men and women to cruel, hard labour (Is 47:6).
Prisoners are expected to be treated inhumanly. But there too God expects leniency. It is hard for the world to accept this because, after all they deserve punishment. But even in punishment we need to be fair and gentle.
Jesus took this teaching to greater heights when He taught: “If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:32-36). We need to reach the Father’s standard!
Which of us will extend a helping hand to those who virulently undermine us, or lend to the one who conveniently forgets? We don’t even give alms to a wicked beggar. Study the life of David to learn class-acts. Treat the children of your enemies as if they are VIPs. Let not your smile turn to a grimace on seeing the one who harms you.
Even during the love-your-neighbour hate-your-enemy dispensation God’s law was that if you found your enemy’s mobile lying somewhere you should return it to him. If you see him struggling to change a flat tyre you should stop and help (Exo 23:4,5).
Solomon teaches the same principle. “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink... and the Lord will reward you” (Prov 25:21,22). David sparing Saul’s life and caring for his son Mephibosheth after his death are class acts. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21). If you have enemies, be on the lookout for an opportunity to help him or his family in some way. God will be pleased with what you do.
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out” said Walter Winchell. Seek out those thrown out by the world as trash and befriend them. Help them live with dignity. “We are looking for Jesus in the wrong places. He wanders the street in disguise” says Philip Yancey. Don’t fail to recognise Him.
4. The Equality Principle
The Canaan tribes did not bother about equality. The poor were soft targets of the rich. God did not want to have any of it when His people occupied the land. So God made it a law that no one could sell his land permanently (Lev 25:23). This law ensured that no Israelite be landless. The land was equally divided and economic inequality was lessened. This law was violated by Israel, widening the social gap. Nehemiah had to step in with his reforms to close the gap (5:1-13). Thus Nehemiah helped the poor Jews regain their status.
The principle is clear. Some gathered more manna and some less. But when they measured, the collection was equal. God expects us to share the products of our fields and trees with the poor so that the rich will not become richer and the poor will not become poorer. We must move from words to action. I felt sick to my stomach when a lady told me that she cut off the branches of her drumstick tree that fell across the compound wall, because people were plucking the leaves. So what? It is good nutritious food. No mirasudar on the road is going to pluck your drumstick. Why do you deprive the poor? Let your goa or curry leaf tree near your hedge benefit the poor. If your coconut falls outside your compound wall don’t rush to pick it up. That’s the sense of Leviticus 19:9,10.
In order to underscore the need for equality John the Baptist taught the people, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same” (Lk 3:11). A man with only two dresses is poor ccording to our standards. Even he is supposed to give one away so that he will not be richer than one who has none. How could John so boldly teach like this? Because he himself voluntarily left his comfortable priest’s home to live a simple desert life. He had overcome his lust for money, clothes and food and so could authoritatively preach on the subject.
Don’t buy clothes if you have enough. If you have too much of anything give to the poor. If you have much more than you need, Gandhiji believed, then what’s in excess is not yours; it must be shared. Don’t keep double. I mean, why have two wrist watches, two pairs of shoes or slippers or two necklaces or two houses? Lead a simple life. Instead of buying branded items, go in for cheaper, reasonably good stuff, be it clothes or slippers or things or manage with gifts received even though they may not be to your taste. Get over the I-want-what-I-want-when-I-want-it compulsive buying. Don’t spend just because you have money. Don’t blow your money on mansions. Build a simple house suited for your needs. Let your celebrations be modest.
“Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land” (Is 5:8). If we have enough to eat and enough to put on we should be satisfied. We read of so many land-grabbing cases. The rich should not be avaricious to become richer, rather raise the standard of the poor atleast a wee bit. Select atleast one or two families and lift them up — why not your servants? When much of the world economy is in doldrumsthink of the plight of the have-nots.
The early church practised this: “All the believers were together and had everythingin common, selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had needs” (Acts 2:44,45; 4:32). Can we follow it today? It’s a question that has intrigued thinking people around the world. The idea is to help the downtrooden live with dignity. This may seem impractical but later on Paul explains it in pragmatic terms. “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality...” (2 Cor 8:13-15).
John lived the life of an ascetic. But Jesus led a normal life, as simple as possible. Each of us should choose an appropriate lifestyle. We need not sweat itout to give an easy life to others but as Paul says, be generous — more generous than what we are now; some more sacrifice and some more carefulness.
It is in the context of giving till it hurts that Paul writes about the giving of Jesus: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). Let us give till our lifestyle is changed, till we feel the pinch!
People believe the myth that the poor starve because there is not enough food in the world to feed the millions. The fact however is that there is enough and more for all. It is not a matter of food supply but unjust food distribution. We will have to answer God for our indifference to poverty that stares in our face, for every paise wasted or lavishly thrown away.
If we have difficulty deciding which dish to eat we are probably cooking too much. If you push away some dish, come with me and I’ll show you people who long for the food we serve to our dogs.
We give to the poor and maintain our standard of living. Instead, if we help them prosper by reducing our lifestyle a little bit we will do well. Nowadays it is not simple living and high thinking but high living and simple thinking. We grow richer and feel worse. Instead, we can choose to grow worse and feel richer!
So help till it hurts but don’t go overboard. Keep your family comfortable. When your spouse suggests that you all eat out, don’t say that the money can be given to the poor. Jesus accepted the precious ointment graciously. Listen to the counsel of Philip Yancey: “Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. A bleeding heart is of no help to anybody if it bleeds to death.” Each of us must think carefully, assimilate the facts and respond according to our own consciences.
5. The Human Rights Principle
Even before we are born we are entitled to certain rights — right from the mother’s womb. The foetus has a right to live. But they are not considered as human beings. Millions of babies are murdered each day and thrown in the dust bin for the crows, rats and dogs. This is human rights violation. Individuals and organisations are on a warpath for the unborn baby’s rights.
Children have rights too which is often thrown to the wind. They have a right to proper education, food, clothing and freedom. Jesus showed incredible respect for human freedom. Thousands of children suffer abuse, neglect and mind-numbing despair in their own homes. Some arecruelly beaten with belts by their parents. Girl children often bear the brunt of the abuse being deprived of proper food and education. Many are sexually assaulted orfall into the clutches of greedy men. Whatdo we do when we come across such a situation in our neighbourhood? Do we dosomething about it or like the bad priest and Levite, circumvent the problem as if itis none of our business? It is risky businessto interfere and protect a child but it is our business. Never believe child abuse is here to stay.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all whoare destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov 31:8,9).
Do we value children as people? It is important to consider their feelings. They are powerless against parents and so it is easy to disrespect them by verbal or physical abuse. Milder forms of abuse are putting them to shame in front of their friends or laughing at their mistakes or making fun of their appearance.
Jesus valued children and spoke up for them (Lk 18:15). The disciples scolded the parents who brought the children. If the infants had been older, they would have raised their voice. Being young, they needed a defender and Jesus stepped in. He respected children. This is exactly what we do to children today. We shout at them, hush them up or chase them out. If we think boys are of more value, we should change our attitude.
We must be alert to detect child abuse in our neighbourhood, kindergartens and schools and do our best to help the child. It is our responsibility to alert the concerned. What a horrible punishment Jesus recommended for anyone who abuses a child! Let us not be child abusers or turn a blind eye to it (Mt 18:6). Anyone who preys on children must be incarcerated and the keys lost. You may call childline (1098) to inform any child abuse or even encourage the child to talk.
Everyday we read of women being abused. We must have the backbone to interfere and put an end to it when we come across a case. I quote a sentence which I read in the newspaper: “A girl should know that she does not need to be hit, she cannot be hit, that she has as much power as” anyone else. Think for a moment if there is domestic violence or honour killing in your neighbourhood and plan what you can do about it.
Victims of violence at home need not suffer in silence. The law is on your side. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) addresses the issue squarely. In spite of lacunae, it’s the best for freedom and justice. Knowledge is your best protection.
An apt Bible example for human rights violation is Naboth. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel desired to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard which was adjacent to his palace. Since it was inherited property Naboth was not ready to part with it. When Ahab was sullen and angry, his hideous wife Jezebel said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel?” Then she arranged for Naboth to be murdered. Being seated on the throne of authority does not give us licence to treat people according to our whims and fancies. Each person’s right must be respected. Elijah told God’s word to Ahab: “In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood.” It happened all too soon (1Ki:21).
Consider the following verses —
“Woe to those who ... deprive the poor of their rights” (Is 10:1,2).
“They do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for this? says the Lord” (Jer 5:28,29).
“To deny a man his rights..., to deprive a man of justice — Would not the Lord see such things?” (Lam 3:35,36).
“If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible” (Lev 5:1).
6. The Love Principle
“If I give all I possess to the poor ... but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor 13:3).
The Apostle Paul comes down bang on charity without love. It is good to examine our motive behind a good deed. Is it out of fear of hell or is it to be in the eye of the paparazzi or is it to out do someone or is it to make a social contribution or do we do it as our job? Jesus was moved with compassion before He fed people miraculously.
It is easy to do good to our enemies because Jesus commanded us to do so. But to love our enemies is next to impossible. Love has to come from the heart if it is to be without hypocrisy. With sincere love we must do good to our enemies. Jesus puts his finger in our problem when He said, “Love your enemies, do good to them. ... THEN your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Lk 6:35).
For this love to burn in our hearts we need to really intercede that the love of God that has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit be activated. Love stoops down to any good work because “Love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4).
If we don’t have love in our hearts, we have the worst kind of heart trouble. Visit the Paediatric Ward of the Government Hospital with gifts for every sick child, on your child’s birthday. You can visit the General Ward on your birthday and an Old Age Home on your parent’s birthday and make the inmates happy and ward away their gloom.
God loved the people of Nineveh though they were wicked. When they heeded His voice and repented, He took back His words. But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (4:1-3). It was this abounding love that saved the 1,20,000 who could not tell their right hand from the left. How God loves! How we are like Jonah!
To sorrow with those who sorrow is a good deed indeed. Jesus did not rush to the death house, “to show His face” and slip away. “Jesus wept” and people could see His love (Jn 11:35,36).
In the parable of the Good Samaritan the emphasis was on “love.” It stemmed from the “Love your neighbour as yourself” conversation. Neither the priest nor the Levite had any love for the victim. It was a Samaritan who loved him enough to treat him, carry him to a hotel, take care of him through the night and to spend for him. More than a sense of duty we need a lovesick heart (Lk 10:27).
The two Kerala nurses Remya Rajappan (24) and P.K. Vineetha (23) did so much good to their patients by caring for them. But the fact that they did it out of love was proved when they gave their life for their patients in the Kolkata Hospital fire. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” said Jesus. That love is bedfellow to good deeds is seen in the writing of the author of Hebrews: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:24). When love takes charge good deeds follow. The Apostle of love writes, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn 3:17,18). It is easy to give away our money and things for the poor. But to fight this social ill with love is what pleases God. So many succumb to the winter cold. If each well-to-do Christian heeds the wail of dying neighbours and donates some blankets, such a disaster can be easily wiped out. Truly we are indirect murderers having our hands stained with blood.
We may be doing a lot of good to our spouses. Let’s check if we are doing it out of love or a sense of duty. We should also not forget that this generation of children and youth need stern discipline along with a good measure of love.
A wise physician said, “I’ve been practicing medicine for 30 years and have prescribed many things. But in the long run I’ve learned that the best medicine for human beings is “Care and love.” Someone asked: “If it doesn’t work?” He smiled and answered, “Increase the dose.”
7. The Come-back Principle
Sooner or later we will find ourselves at the mercy of others. Imagine yourself lying in the middle of the road, injured and no one stops to help you. Do to others what you’d like them to do to you. As a precautionary measure let us show mercy. “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7).
Especially if we are rich we tend to think we don’t need anybody’s help. But the plate may turn. The Scriptural principle is to “show mercy to one another” (Zech 7:9). Everybody gets his quota of misfortune in this life. So let us be prepared. Ruth was kind to her mother-in-law and she found kindness from others.
It is very true that a kind man benefits himself (Prov 11:17). “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Prov 11:25). “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered” (Prov 21:13).
We are only helping ourselves by helping others even though that should not be our motive. God speaks his mind about the fast He desires — “Loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke. Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” God doesn’t stop there. He enumerates the blessings of one who does the above. “Then your light will breakforth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearguard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and He will say: Here I am” (Isa 58:6-9). Promise for guidance, satisfaction of needs, health, prosperity and restoration are in the following verses.
For the sin of unconcern about the poor and needy, God did away with Sodom (Ezek 16:49). One of the reason’s for Jerusalem’s downfall was that they oppressed the alien and mistreated the fatherless and widows (Ezek 22:7). Daniel’s advice for King Nebuchadnezzar’s prosperity was to be kind to the oppressed (4:27). The rich man went to hell for ignoring Lazarus (Lk 16:19).
Not only mercy will be returned to the merciful but a rich reward awaits him in heaven. “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives or your rich neighbours; if you do they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.” This is an x-ray picture of us — exactly what we do. What did Jesus advocate? “When you give a banquet invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Lk 14:12-14). Throw many parties for the poor. Let it not be the usual alms and meal but a real feast! Who will give them such a treat with serial bulbs, ice cream and gulabjamun? Maybe with tables and chairs? We are overeating and they are underfed. Bless them with your blessings. It is Matthew the tax collector who shows us the way. He made a dinner for Jesus and invited the tax collectors and riff-raff to eat with Him all the delicacies prepared for Him and His disciples (Mt 9:10).
“Do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt 6:19-20). The perfect safety locker is the beggar’s bowl! Jesus told the rich young man to give up all with the promise, “...you will have treasure in heaven” (Mt 19:21). In a short while we’ll be in heaven. Will you look around heaven and worry, “I wish I’d given more?” Then do it now! (1Tim 6:17-19).
Not just material blessings but spiritual blessings follow charity. Jesus was not too good in washing hands before meals. He called the surprised Pharisees “fools.” He said, “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor and everything will be clean for you” (Lk 11:37-41). If we are struggling against a greedy and wicked heart, may be the solution is to feed the poor.
“Blessed are the merciful.” What is the blessing? They will be shown mercy.
While returning from France toGermany, Pamela Barbosa, an Indianmissed her flight at the Toulouse airport.She had tears in her eyes, feeling helplessin a foreign country. She didn’t haveenough money to spend the night in a hotel. The French lady at the airline check-incounter asked her to wait and minutes later took her to her house. After supper and agood night’s rest she was taken back to theairport next morning and the lady, Jeanne Marie checked her in on the first flight back. When Pamela thanked Jean for the gesture, the reply she got was, “Please stop thanking me. I’m sure this will come around and God will send angels to take care of my children when they need Him.” Yes, mercy does come around!
Have a passion for compassion!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
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Mercy is probably the flag of God’s army. Our God is a merciful God and He has instructed us to be merciful to all, irrespective of sinners or saints, creed or caste. As we go about with a passion for compassion, there are seven principles that need to be considered.
1. The Mercy-over-Law Principle
God gave us the ten commandments and the laws. But even in the Old Testament, mercy superceded the law. People wanted to stone and kill a woman caught in adultery but Jesus chose to forgive her. The lawers ended up with rotten egg all over their faces. By law Mary would have faced the same barbaric fate, had not Joseph, a righteous man intended to secretly put her away to spare her public disgrace. People, righteous at heart were always able to discern when to apply the law and when to dispense mercy. Mercy alone transfigures the human heart.
When Hezekiah celebrated the Passover, many ate the Passover without going through the purification ritual, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God... even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary. And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people” (2Chr 30:18,19). While Jesus was dining in Matthew’s house, the crooks came and sat with Him, probably uninvited. The Pharisees were upset and questioned Jesus’disciples about the way He acted. Jesus shot back, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mt 9:13) meaning sinners need mercy. Jesus lived under the old covenant and sinners were off limits for Him. Under the law sinners were severely punished. No embrace, no love, no mercy for them. Jesus chided their spirit of condemnation.
In another incident when Jesus was strolling with His disciples through a field of ripe grain, the hungry disciples started munching the grain. The Pharisees were upset that they broke the Sabbath rules. Jesus again quoted the same verse and said: “If you had known what these words mean: I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent” (Mt 12:7). Though they broke the law they were innocent, because they were hungry. Here again we see mercy triumphs over judgment! (Js 2:13). We see how the heart of Jesus was focused on mercy rather than the law. Jesus felt He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel. But when a Canaanite woman begged for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus could ignore her no more. He gave in (Mt 15:24).
We take out the calculator to see how much tithe we should pay, but we leave out the weightier matters of the law — fairness, compassion and faithfulness (Mt 23:23). Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath to the chagrin of the Pharisees. For them law was supreme, but for Jesus, mercy came first (Lk 6:9).
There are exception to any rule. Let us not deny mercy to anyone for the sake of a rule. We must treat people not by law but by mercy, though often we need to balance both. The king forgave the debt of his servant when he fell at his feet and cried. That’s mercy over law. But he himself throttled his debtor’s throat, putting him in prison by legal means. It blew up the whole deal with the king.
A 10 year old accident victim was brought to me unconscious, when I was on night duty. I could see he was bleeding inside his skull. A simple burr-hole to let out the blood would save his life. We had neither a surgeon nor the instruments to do it. The strict rule of our hospital was we should not refer any patient to another hospital. I called the father, explained to him the situation and made him sign in the chart under “Discharged against medical advice” and quickly packed him off to the nearby hospital. The next day the father came and told me that the boy was immediately operated and doing well. No regrets for my disobedience.
“... to love your neighbour is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mk 12:33).
2. The Body Principle
Compassion to your own brother in faith is stressed in the Scriptures. “If there is a poor man among your brothers ... do not be hard hearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother” (Dt 15:7).
We are the body of Christ, and each believer is a part of it. “If one part suffers every part suffers with it” (1 Cor 12:26a). We cannot isolate a poor believer from the body of Christ. It will contradict nature if a woman in labour pain will be merrily singing or a man with a renal colic (called the labour pain of men) dancing a waltz. But that’s what is happening today. We see so many believers in dire need but care the less for them. When they are weeping, we are in a party merry-making.
Severe famine was ravaging the Roman Empire. The disciples made a collection and sent it for the brothers living in Judea (Acts 11:29). The Macedonian believers were pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians so that they could bring a trace of smile to the deadened faces (2 Cor 8:3,4). The early church had a project for their believing widows (Acts 6:1).
John hammers this principle in his first epistle: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1Jn 3:17). In his third epistle John appreciates Gaius for taking in traveling evangelists who were strangers to him and showing them hospitality (3 Jn 3-8). The Message Bible translates it as, “Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible ... It’s good work you are doing.” Don’t think it a burden to accommodate and feed missionaries on camp or traveling. That’s why we are blessed — blessed to bless!
Though the early church was out for humanitarian work among the disadvantaged, it’s first concern was those who came into the community of faith. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10). If you consciously avoid opulent living you will have enough for your brothers and sisters in Christ. A little restructuring of our lifestyle will do the trick. Why should we go from S to M to L to X L and XXL?
Here’s what Gandhiji said about endless wants: “Civilization in the real sense of the term consists not in the multiplication but in the deliberate and voluntary reduction of wants, which promotes real happiness and contentment and increases the capacity for service. One can reduce one’s wants by perseverance, and the reduction of wants makes for happiness — a healthy body and a peaceful mind.”
When you sit in the Church, look around for anyone who may be in need and consider how you can bring back the brightness in their lives. During inflation we should not cut down our help to poor believers, so we can manage the price hike, rather think how the other side will manage hard times and increase our giving.
I watched in the Discovery Channel a pride of lions attacking and wounding a lone bison. Just then the herd of bisons saw that and rushed to the spot. They fought with the pride tossing them one by one by their horns and returned to the wounded bull. As the pride waited for the herd to leave so that they could get at their prey, the herd surrounded the fallen animal, licked its wounds, prodded him to get up on his legs and walked away, keeping the wounded bison in the centre of the herd. That’s the lesson humans have to learn from animals.
3. The Class-act Principle
Class act is what we do out of the ordinary, a gallant act. The mercy that the world shows to the needy is excellent. But what we do must be par excellent. That’s what God expects.
God was very angry with Babylon because the Babylonians did not show Israel any mercy. God was fed up with His people and turned them over to their enemies as punishment. But He expected clemency. Sadly they harshly treated them putting the old men and women to cruel, hard labour (Is 47:6).
Prisoners are expected to be treated inhumanly. But there too God expects leniency. It is hard for the world to accept this because, after all they deserve punishment. But even in punishment we need to be fair and gentle.
Jesus took this teaching to greater heights when He taught: “If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:32-36). We need to reach the Father’s standard!
Which of us will extend a helping hand to those who virulently undermine us, or lend to the one who conveniently forgets? We don’t even give alms to a wicked beggar. Study the life of David to learn class-acts. Treat the children of your enemies as if they are VIPs. Let not your smile turn to a grimace on seeing the one who harms you.
Even during the love-your-neighbour hate-your-enemy dispensation God’s law was that if you found your enemy’s mobile lying somewhere you should return it to him. If you see him struggling to change a flat tyre you should stop and help (Exo 23:4,5).
Solomon teaches the same principle. “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink... and the Lord will reward you” (Prov 25:21,22). David sparing Saul’s life and caring for his son Mephibosheth after his death are class acts. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21). If you have enemies, be on the lookout for an opportunity to help him or his family in some way. God will be pleased with what you do.
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out” said Walter Winchell. Seek out those thrown out by the world as trash and befriend them. Help them live with dignity. “We are looking for Jesus in the wrong places. He wanders the street in disguise” says Philip Yancey. Don’t fail to recognise Him.
4. The Equality Principle
The Canaan tribes did not bother about equality. The poor were soft targets of the rich. God did not want to have any of it when His people occupied the land. So God made it a law that no one could sell his land permanently (Lev 25:23). This law ensured that no Israelite be landless. The land was equally divided and economic inequality was lessened. This law was violated by Israel, widening the social gap. Nehemiah had to step in with his reforms to close the gap (5:1-13). Thus Nehemiah helped the poor Jews regain their status.
The principle is clear. Some gathered more manna and some less. But when they measured, the collection was equal. God expects us to share the products of our fields and trees with the poor so that the rich will not become richer and the poor will not become poorer. We must move from words to action. I felt sick to my stomach when a lady told me that she cut off the branches of her drumstick tree that fell across the compound wall, because people were plucking the leaves. So what? It is good nutritious food. No mirasudar on the road is going to pluck your drumstick. Why do you deprive the poor? Let your goa or curry leaf tree near your hedge benefit the poor. If your coconut falls outside your compound wall don’t rush to pick it up. That’s the sense of Leviticus 19:9,10.
In order to underscore the need for equality John the Baptist taught the people, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same” (Lk 3:11). A man with only two dresses is poor ccording to our standards. Even he is supposed to give one away so that he will not be richer than one who has none. How could John so boldly teach like this? Because he himself voluntarily left his comfortable priest’s home to live a simple desert life. He had overcome his lust for money, clothes and food and so could authoritatively preach on the subject.
Don’t buy clothes if you have enough. If you have too much of anything give to the poor. If you have much more than you need, Gandhiji believed, then what’s in excess is not yours; it must be shared. Don’t keep double. I mean, why have two wrist watches, two pairs of shoes or slippers or two necklaces or two houses? Lead a simple life. Instead of buying branded items, go in for cheaper, reasonably good stuff, be it clothes or slippers or things or manage with gifts received even though they may not be to your taste. Get over the I-want-what-I-want-when-I-want-it compulsive buying. Don’t spend just because you have money. Don’t blow your money on mansions. Build a simple house suited for your needs. Let your celebrations be modest.
“Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land” (Is 5:8). If we have enough to eat and enough to put on we should be satisfied. We read of so many land-grabbing cases. The rich should not be avaricious to become richer, rather raise the standard of the poor atleast a wee bit. Select atleast one or two families and lift them up — why not your servants? When much of the world economy is in doldrumsthink of the plight of the have-nots.
The early church practised this: “All the believers were together and had everythingin common, selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had needs” (Acts 2:44,45; 4:32). Can we follow it today? It’s a question that has intrigued thinking people around the world. The idea is to help the downtrooden live with dignity. This may seem impractical but later on Paul explains it in pragmatic terms. “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality...” (2 Cor 8:13-15).
John lived the life of an ascetic. But Jesus led a normal life, as simple as possible. Each of us should choose an appropriate lifestyle. We need not sweat itout to give an easy life to others but as Paul says, be generous — more generous than what we are now; some more sacrifice and some more carefulness.
It is in the context of giving till it hurts that Paul writes about the giving of Jesus: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). Let us give till our lifestyle is changed, till we feel the pinch!
People believe the myth that the poor starve because there is not enough food in the world to feed the millions. The fact however is that there is enough and more for all. It is not a matter of food supply but unjust food distribution. We will have to answer God for our indifference to poverty that stares in our face, for every paise wasted or lavishly thrown away.
If we have difficulty deciding which dish to eat we are probably cooking too much. If you push away some dish, come with me and I’ll show you people who long for the food we serve to our dogs.
We give to the poor and maintain our standard of living. Instead, if we help them prosper by reducing our lifestyle a little bit we will do well. Nowadays it is not simple living and high thinking but high living and simple thinking. We grow richer and feel worse. Instead, we can choose to grow worse and feel richer!
So help till it hurts but don’t go overboard. Keep your family comfortable. When your spouse suggests that you all eat out, don’t say that the money can be given to the poor. Jesus accepted the precious ointment graciously. Listen to the counsel of Philip Yancey: “Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. A bleeding heart is of no help to anybody if it bleeds to death.” Each of us must think carefully, assimilate the facts and respond according to our own consciences.
5. The Human Rights Principle
Even before we are born we are entitled to certain rights — right from the mother’s womb. The foetus has a right to live. But they are not considered as human beings. Millions of babies are murdered each day and thrown in the dust bin for the crows, rats and dogs. This is human rights violation. Individuals and organisations are on a warpath for the unborn baby’s rights.
Children have rights too which is often thrown to the wind. They have a right to proper education, food, clothing and freedom. Jesus showed incredible respect for human freedom. Thousands of children suffer abuse, neglect and mind-numbing despair in their own homes. Some arecruelly beaten with belts by their parents. Girl children often bear the brunt of the abuse being deprived of proper food and education. Many are sexually assaulted orfall into the clutches of greedy men. Whatdo we do when we come across such a situation in our neighbourhood? Do we dosomething about it or like the bad priest and Levite, circumvent the problem as if itis none of our business? It is risky businessto interfere and protect a child but it is our business. Never believe child abuse is here to stay.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all whoare destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov 31:8,9).
Do we value children as people? It is important to consider their feelings. They are powerless against parents and so it is easy to disrespect them by verbal or physical abuse. Milder forms of abuse are putting them to shame in front of their friends or laughing at their mistakes or making fun of their appearance.
Jesus valued children and spoke up for them (Lk 18:15). The disciples scolded the parents who brought the children. If the infants had been older, they would have raised their voice. Being young, they needed a defender and Jesus stepped in. He respected children. This is exactly what we do to children today. We shout at them, hush them up or chase them out. If we think boys are of more value, we should change our attitude.
We must be alert to detect child abuse in our neighbourhood, kindergartens and schools and do our best to help the child. It is our responsibility to alert the concerned. What a horrible punishment Jesus recommended for anyone who abuses a child! Let us not be child abusers or turn a blind eye to it (Mt 18:6). Anyone who preys on children must be incarcerated and the keys lost. You may call childline (1098) to inform any child abuse or even encourage the child to talk.
Everyday we read of women being abused. We must have the backbone to interfere and put an end to it when we come across a case. I quote a sentence which I read in the newspaper: “A girl should know that she does not need to be hit, she cannot be hit, that she has as much power as” anyone else. Think for a moment if there is domestic violence or honour killing in your neighbourhood and plan what you can do about it.
Victims of violence at home need not suffer in silence. The law is on your side. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) addresses the issue squarely. In spite of lacunae, it’s the best for freedom and justice. Knowledge is your best protection.
An apt Bible example for human rights violation is Naboth. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel desired to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard which was adjacent to his palace. Since it was inherited property Naboth was not ready to part with it. When Ahab was sullen and angry, his hideous wife Jezebel said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel?” Then she arranged for Naboth to be murdered. Being seated on the throne of authority does not give us licence to treat people according to our whims and fancies. Each person’s right must be respected. Elijah told God’s word to Ahab: “In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood.” It happened all too soon (1Ki:21).
Consider the following verses —
“Woe to those who ... deprive the poor of their rights” (Is 10:1,2).
“They do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. Should I not punish them for this? says the Lord” (Jer 5:28,29).
“To deny a man his rights..., to deprive a man of justice — Would not the Lord see such things?” (Lam 3:35,36).
“If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible” (Lev 5:1).
6. The Love Principle
“If I give all I possess to the poor ... but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor 13:3).
The Apostle Paul comes down bang on charity without love. It is good to examine our motive behind a good deed. Is it out of fear of hell or is it to be in the eye of the paparazzi or is it to out do someone or is it to make a social contribution or do we do it as our job? Jesus was moved with compassion before He fed people miraculously.
It is easy to do good to our enemies because Jesus commanded us to do so. But to love our enemies is next to impossible. Love has to come from the heart if it is to be without hypocrisy. With sincere love we must do good to our enemies. Jesus puts his finger in our problem when He said, “Love your enemies, do good to them. ... THEN your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Lk 6:35).
For this love to burn in our hearts we need to really intercede that the love of God that has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit be activated. Love stoops down to any good work because “Love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4).
If we don’t have love in our hearts, we have the worst kind of heart trouble. Visit the Paediatric Ward of the Government Hospital with gifts for every sick child, on your child’s birthday. You can visit the General Ward on your birthday and an Old Age Home on your parent’s birthday and make the inmates happy and ward away their gloom.
God loved the people of Nineveh though they were wicked. When they heeded His voice and repented, He took back His words. But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (4:1-3). It was this abounding love that saved the 1,20,000 who could not tell their right hand from the left. How God loves! How we are like Jonah!
To sorrow with those who sorrow is a good deed indeed. Jesus did not rush to the death house, “to show His face” and slip away. “Jesus wept” and people could see His love (Jn 11:35,36).
In the parable of the Good Samaritan the emphasis was on “love.” It stemmed from the “Love your neighbour as yourself” conversation. Neither the priest nor the Levite had any love for the victim. It was a Samaritan who loved him enough to treat him, carry him to a hotel, take care of him through the night and to spend for him. More than a sense of duty we need a lovesick heart (Lk 10:27).
The two Kerala nurses Remya Rajappan (24) and P.K. Vineetha (23) did so much good to their patients by caring for them. But the fact that they did it out of love was proved when they gave their life for their patients in the Kolkata Hospital fire. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” said Jesus. That love is bedfellow to good deeds is seen in the writing of the author of Hebrews: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:24). When love takes charge good deeds follow. The Apostle of love writes, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn 3:17,18). It is easy to give away our money and things for the poor. But to fight this social ill with love is what pleases God. So many succumb to the winter cold. If each well-to-do Christian heeds the wail of dying neighbours and donates some blankets, such a disaster can be easily wiped out. Truly we are indirect murderers having our hands stained with blood.
We may be doing a lot of good to our spouses. Let’s check if we are doing it out of love or a sense of duty. We should also not forget that this generation of children and youth need stern discipline along with a good measure of love.
A wise physician said, “I’ve been practicing medicine for 30 years and have prescribed many things. But in the long run I’ve learned that the best medicine for human beings is “Care and love.” Someone asked: “If it doesn’t work?” He smiled and answered, “Increase the dose.”
7. The Come-back Principle
Sooner or later we will find ourselves at the mercy of others. Imagine yourself lying in the middle of the road, injured and no one stops to help you. Do to others what you’d like them to do to you. As a precautionary measure let us show mercy. “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7).
Especially if we are rich we tend to think we don’t need anybody’s help. But the plate may turn. The Scriptural principle is to “show mercy to one another” (Zech 7:9). Everybody gets his quota of misfortune in this life. So let us be prepared. Ruth was kind to her mother-in-law and she found kindness from others.
It is very true that a kind man benefits himself (Prov 11:17). “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Prov 11:25). “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered” (Prov 21:13).
We are only helping ourselves by helping others even though that should not be our motive. God speaks his mind about the fast He desires — “Loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke. Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked to clothe him and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” God doesn’t stop there. He enumerates the blessings of one who does the above. “Then your light will breakforth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rearguard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and He will say: Here I am” (Isa 58:6-9). Promise for guidance, satisfaction of needs, health, prosperity and restoration are in the following verses.
For the sin of unconcern about the poor and needy, God did away with Sodom (Ezek 16:49). One of the reason’s for Jerusalem’s downfall was that they oppressed the alien and mistreated the fatherless and widows (Ezek 22:7). Daniel’s advice for King Nebuchadnezzar’s prosperity was to be kind to the oppressed (4:27). The rich man went to hell for ignoring Lazarus (Lk 16:19).
Not only mercy will be returned to the merciful but a rich reward awaits him in heaven. “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives or your rich neighbours; if you do they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.” This is an x-ray picture of us — exactly what we do. What did Jesus advocate? “When you give a banquet invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Lk 14:12-14). Throw many parties for the poor. Let it not be the usual alms and meal but a real feast! Who will give them such a treat with serial bulbs, ice cream and gulabjamun? Maybe with tables and chairs? We are overeating and they are underfed. Bless them with your blessings. It is Matthew the tax collector who shows us the way. He made a dinner for Jesus and invited the tax collectors and riff-raff to eat with Him all the delicacies prepared for Him and His disciples (Mt 9:10).
“Do not store up for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt 6:19-20). The perfect safety locker is the beggar’s bowl! Jesus told the rich young man to give up all with the promise, “...you will have treasure in heaven” (Mt 19:21). In a short while we’ll be in heaven. Will you look around heaven and worry, “I wish I’d given more?” Then do it now! (1Tim 6:17-19).
Not just material blessings but spiritual blessings follow charity. Jesus was not too good in washing hands before meals. He called the surprised Pharisees “fools.” He said, “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside also? But give what is inside the dish to the poor and everything will be clean for you” (Lk 11:37-41). If we are struggling against a greedy and wicked heart, may be the solution is to feed the poor.
“Blessed are the merciful.” What is the blessing? They will be shown mercy.
While returning from France toGermany, Pamela Barbosa, an Indianmissed her flight at the Toulouse airport.She had tears in her eyes, feeling helplessin a foreign country. She didn’t haveenough money to spend the night in a hotel. The French lady at the airline check-incounter asked her to wait and minutes later took her to her house. After supper and agood night’s rest she was taken back to theairport next morning and the lady, Jeanne Marie checked her in on the first flight back. When Pamela thanked Jean for the gesture, the reply she got was, “Please stop thanking me. I’m sure this will come around and God will send angels to take care of my children when they need Him.” Yes, mercy does come around!
Have a passion for compassion!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
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Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
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