Prioritizing Acts of Mercy and Forgiveness in Personal Life
Prioritizing acts of mercy and forgiveness in personal life is a recurring theme in Christian teaching, rooted in both Old Testament wisdom and New Testament commands, and exemplified by the life of Christ [3, 6]. The Bible consistently presents mercy as a characteristic of saints and a virtue to be actively cultivated [3, 6].
Mercy is enjoined throughout Scripture, with calls to emulate God's own mercy [3]. Luke 6:36 states, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This divine example serves as the ultimate motivation for believers to show mercy [3, 6]. The practice of mercy should be engraved on the heart, as Proverbs 3:3 advises [3]. It is to be shown with cheerfulness, particularly to those in distress, the poor, and even to backsliders [3]. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist commentator, notes that a merciful person "does good to his own soul, makes and keeps himself easy" [8]. He further emphasizes that those who are "elect of God, holy and beloved" are called to "put on bowels of mercy" [9]. This means not only refraining from anger and wrath but actively embracing compassion and kindness, doing good to all [9].
Forgiveness of injuries is closely linked to mercy and is presented as a command from Christ [6]. Jesus himself set the example by forgiving those who crucified him (Luke 23:34) [6]. Believers are commanded to forgive without limit, as seen in Matthew 18:22 and Luke 17:4 [6]. This forgiveness is not merely an absence of revenge, which is explicitly forbidden by Christ and the apostles (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:39-41; Romans 12:17, 19; 1 Peter 3:9) [5]. Instead, it should be accompanied by forbearance, kindness, blessing, and prayer for those who have caused harm [6]. The motivation for such forgiveness stems from God's mercy towards us and our own need for forgiveness [6]. Ephesians 4:32 encourages believers to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Colossians 3:13 similarly urges, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive" [6].
The prioritization of these virtues is evident in various biblical texts. For instance, 1 Peter 4:8 states, "above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" [2]. The Literal Translation of the Bible renders this as "love will cover a multitude of sins" [1]. This suggests that love, which encompasses mercy and forgiveness, holds a preeminent place in Christian conduct. John Calvin, in his commentary on Isaiah, links godliness not only to duties towards God but also to how one acts towards others, including showing kindness to brethren [7]. He highlights that Christ considered "mercy, judgment, and faith" to be central [7].
The practice of mercy and forgiveness also involves self-denial, as it often requires setting aside personal desires for retribution or self-interest [4]. Christ's own life is presented as an example of self-denial, which is a test of devotion to him and necessary for following him [4]. This includes denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, and abstaining from fleshly lusts [4]. Overcoming evil with good, rather than seeking revenge, is a practical application of this principle (Romans 12:20) [5].
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 4:8 (LITV) — and above all things having fervent love to yourselves, "because love will cover a multitude of sins." Prov. 10:12”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Peter 4:8 — And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Revenge — Forbidden by our Lord -- Le 19:18; Pr 24:17,29; Mt 5:39-41; Ro 12:17,19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Christ an example of forbearing -- Isa 53:7; 1Pe 2:23. Rebuked by Christ -- Lu 9:54,55. Inconsistent with Christian spirit -- Lu 9:55. Proceeds from a spiteful heart -- Eze 25:15. Instead of taking, we should Trust in God. -- Pr 20:22; Ro 12:16. Exhibit love. -- Le 19:18; Lu 6:35. Give place to wrath. -- Ro 12:19. Exercise forbearance. -- Mt 5:38-41. Bless. -- Ro 12:14. Overcome others by kindness. -- Pr 25:21,22; Ro 12:20. Keep others from taking -- 1Sa 24:10; 25:24”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 7.37: not they fear God. We might, indeed, be deceived, were it from the second table only that we formed our judgment about the godliness of a man; but if any one discharge the duties of the first table, which are evidences of godliness and of the worship of God, he must then be brought to this standard, Does he act inoffensively towards other men? Does he abstain from every act of injustice? Does he speak truth? Does he live in the exercise of kindness to his brethren? This is the reason why Christ pronounces mercy, judgment, and faith, to be the”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 11:17: It is a common principle, Every one for himself. Proximus egomet mihi - None so near to me as myself. Now, if this be rightly understood, it will be a reason for the cherishing of gracious dispositions in ourselves and the crucifying of corrupt ones. We are friends or enemies to ourselves, even in respect of present comfort, according as we are or are not governed by religious principles. 1. A merciful, tender, good humoured man, does good to his own soul, makes and keeps himself easy. He has the pleasure of doing his duty, and contributing to the comfort of th”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 3:12: The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Col 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Col 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. I. The argument here used to enforce the exhortation is very affecting: Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. Observe, 1. Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect of God, and holy, are beloved - beloved of God, and”