Many of Jesus’ merciful acts in the Bible were incredible miracles. But what does mercy look like in day-to-day life? Sometimes having mercy simply means being humble and making room for others.
For example, mercy might look like choosing not to complain to the restaurant manager when the service you received was lacking. Instead, you might choose to show mercy in the form of kindness, understanding that the staff could be overly busy or having an off day.
Other examples of day-to-day mercy might include:
- Showing kindness to someone who offended you, which is the mercy of forgiveness.
- Choosing to correct someone gently, refusing to act smug or vindictive, which is the mercy of grace.
- Helping a child escape poverty, which is the mercy of compassion.
The Meaning of Mercy vs. Compassion
Mercy and compassion are intertwined. Mercy is the fruit of compassion. Mercy is a compassionate gift given to someone who is suffering.
The meaning of compassion is to recognize others’ suffering and then take action to help. Compassion is more than feeling concerned about someone in distress or caring about a person’s misfortune. Compassion involves action, and that action is mercy.
When compassion moves to alleviate suffering, it becomes mercy.
How Does Compassion International Show Mercy?
Every day, millions of children living in poverty around the world find comfort in God’s mercy as they participate in our child sponsorship program. We help thousands of local churches in low- and middle-income countries provide for the unique needs of children in their communities.
Showing God’s mercy to children living in poverty means providing opportunities for children to grow and develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And with their needs met, they can journey out of poverty to become thriving adults.
The benefits of child sponsorship include:
- The opportunity to hear the gospel.
- Better health.
- Better nutrition.
- Educational and vocational support for a brighter future.
- Safety and protection.
- Mentorship and love.
More than 70 years ago, our founder, Rev. Everett Swanson, ministered to American troops fighting in the Korean War. He was troubled by the orphans he saw living in the streets, abandoned by society.
Moved by compassion, he responded with mercy to care for those children in need by founding Compassion International. Rev. Swanson didn’t turn his back on the suffering. Instead, he stepped in as the hands and feet of Jesus.