Attributes of God:
Mercy
Pastor Jerry Koller

Mercy is a word that is common in both the Old and New Testaments and is an extremely complex concept that several Hebrew and Greek words are used to express the vastness of its meaning.
· Synonyms: compassion, lovingkindness, favor, and steadfast love

Mercy is “the gift of God’s undeserved kindness and compassion.”

Mercy is revealed in the actions God takes to relieve suffering and demonstrate His faithfulness and steadfast love.

· It is a gift.
· It is undeserved.

It is an expression of His lovingkindness and compassion.
· faithfulness, unfailing love, or good favor in its place.

Compassion is characterized by empathy, such as feeling bad for someone because of his or her circumstance.

Mercy can be described as compassion in action.

General Mercy is extended not only to all men but also to His entire creation.

Mercy is an expression of undeserved kindness.
· It is also an expression of His faithfulness and steadfast love.

Special Mercy is exercised towards mankind, helping and assisting them.

Sovereign Mercy is reserved for the heirs of salvation, those for whom God chooses—those who are in Christ Jesus.

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you, for many, for the forgiveness of sins.

Mercy is also closely related to grace.
· God extending favor and kindness to those who do not deserve it.

Jesus said:

2 Categories of Mercy:

1. Benevolence: A compassionate treatment of someone suffering or in need.

The primary purpose of Jesus’ miracles was not benevolence. They were for authentication.

2. Mercy that is extended to an enemy.

We are to be merciful as God is merciful.

This includes extending mercy to our enemies.

Keep in mind the truth that God extended mercy to us while we were His enemies, for while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

God is a God of mercy. May you and I be people of mercy as well.

· Ruby Robinson (Stan & Jean Robinson’s sister-in-law, Bruce Robinson’s stepmom) is in significant pain as her cancer has progressed and she is now receiving Hospice care. Please pray for peace and comfort.
· Pastor Jephthe Lucien, his family, his ministry, the children in his orphanages, and the people of Haiti as the country is under extreme duress due to violence and unrest.
· Terry Buckley successfully had fluid removed from around his heart and is doing much better.
· Bruce Ferguson had his medications adjusted and is continuing with his doctors for further treatment.
· Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah McKamey) hasn’t had any more blackouts and has completed testing; he has a follow up appointment in June.
· Rhonda Dobberstein is receiving radiation treatments for breast cancer that will continue through the end of April.
· Nolan Marshall was approved to receive services for another year. Praise God for answered prayers!
· Vincent Bryant (son of Miriam Bryant) is dealing with multiple health issues: blood clots which are interfering with his dialysis treatments; continues to recover from a 2nd surgery on his left hand which resulted in one finger being amputated; issues with an ankle that prevents him from driving.
· Miriam Bryant has begun therapy for hip issues.
· Anna Bocock’s has Epstein Barr in addition to one strain of Lyme. She is waiting for next month’s treatment to be done, will then take another blood test to see how the treatment performed, and once the tests come back, she will hopefully be able to move forward with the Lyme disease treatments.
· Caroline Bocock is having some symptoms resurface so she will need to have more treatments. They are waiting for her most recent test results to come back so they can determine which strain of Lyme’s needs to be treated next.
· Joyce Bocock continues to do well. Prayers for continued improvement and relief from pain are appreciated.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com