God’s Mercy by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 19, 1871

God’s Mercy.

By G. W. Colcord

Mercy is “the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to . . . inflict less than law or justice will warrant.”—Web. It is undeserved favor. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of God. “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty.” Num. 14:18.

God’s great mercy toward our race is manifested in the sending of his Son into the world as its Saviour, Luke 1:78; in conversion, Titus 3:5; in longsuffering, when we transgress, Lam. 3:22; Dan. 9:9.

It is the source of Israel’s hope, Ps. 130:7; 147:11; it is their ground of trust. See Ps. 52:8.

The mercy of the Lord is over all his works, Ps. 145:9; and in this rich attribute he takes delight. Micah. 7:18.

We should earnestly seek the Lord’s mercy, in behalf of ourselves, Luke 18:13; and for others, Gal. 6:16. We should magnify the name of the Lord in our prayers, because of his “undeserved favor.” 1 Chron. 16:34; Ps. 107.

God’s precious word brings to view the fact that his people are merciful, Isa. 57:1; and this, too, by following the example of God. Luke 6:36. Hence, it is to be kept, Hosea 12:6; to be shown with cheerfulness, Rom. 12:8; to our brethren, Zech. 7:9; to the poor, Prov. 14:31; and to the dumb brutes. Prov. 12:10.

A merciful man bringeth benefits to his own soul. Prov. 11:17; 14:21. “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy” from God, both in this world, and in that which is to come. Matt. 5:7. God’s plan of redemption is broad; it will save all that will be saved. But, if we neglect so great salvation, if we slight his tender mercy, where, oh! where shall we appear in the coming day? God says that he will laugh at the calamity of the wicked; and mock when their fear cometh—when mercy’s sweet voice is heard no more! Prov. 1:26. Rouse, then, my soul! stretch every nerve; and press with vigor on. Seek pardon. Ask for strength to be obedient, and live for God. Dear reader, turn to the passages cited, read, and “walk in the light.” G. W. COLCORD.