A Caring Ministry To One In Need

mercy - A Caring Ministry to One in Need

You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen . . . that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:11

Mercy touches us at the point of pain and ministers at a time of loss. Life inevitably brings both, but a deeper tragedy is enduring them alone. Each of us needs the merciful support of others when we are going through hard times.

During life’s pain and loss, every part of my (Teresa’s) being cries out, “Does anyone care?” Mercy answers, “I care, and I’m here with you.” Mercy is most often the comforting support of one’s presence during times of pain. It’s the reassuring touch of mercy that draws me away from future anxiety and into the security of present love.

Couples often benefit from sharing “pain points” with each other. As they reflect on such times of pain and loneliness, the sensitive comfort and caring touch of a merciful spouse cries out within each of them, “I’m no longer alone!”

The irony of the Lord’s mercy is that it is so undeserved. It is particularly ironic that we don’t forget His mercy at our point of sin. We might expect God’s compassion over life’s tragedies or others’ sins, given that He is Lord. But what is so startling is the mercy He extends to us even when it’s been our own sin that has hurt us. We have a heavenly Father who not only is saddened when our own sin has hurt us, but who reaches down to us in compassion and mercy.

As James says, the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. Having experienced the wonder of such love, I can now pass it on to others, including my spouse.

In what specific areas and in what specific ways can you extend mercy to your spouse today?