To say God is rich in something is mind-boggling if you give it a few minutes thinking time. Mercy and compassion are often interchangeable. Are we rich in compassion? Are we rich in compassion and mercy toward those we see every day at work, at home, in the market place? Or, do we quickly judge someone if their appearance is distasteful or if we think in our great wisdom they could help themselves?
There is a line of thought in some Christian circles that is so anti-God but is embraced (actually there is probably a lot more than one). What I'm talking about is the line of thought that if you aren't healthy, wealthy and successful you are not doing something right. You are not following God fully.
This is so wrong.
This kind of thinking breeds all sorts of nasty traits -- judgment, pride, arrogance. The list is pretty endless.
Whenever Jesus mentions the poor, He says to have mercy on them. He doesn't condemn them ever. Actually, the only ones Jesus condemns in Scripture are the so called "successful religious" dudes, the pharisees. And that is the sin Believers, if they are living "good" lives can commit so easily and feel justified doing it. It is also a type of deception. We can lose everything in a day or gain a whole bunch in a day.
I just want to share some scriptures now. There are so many on mercy and compassion. Here we go:
"In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them; And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63:9c
"break away now from you sins by doing righteousness, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity." Daniel 4:27
"How blessed is he who considers the helpless (the poor); the LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble." Psalm 41:1
"Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." Matthew 5:7
God is rich "in grace." Ephesians 1:7c
Oh, that we would be like our Father in Heaven! God help us!!