Mercy makes great. Let us look at a fundamental story, a parable that Jesus Christ told.

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:” (Luke 18:9)

These were self-righteous people who thought that how to please God was in their self-righteousness, not in the mercy of God. And they did not know that He will have mercy, not sacrifice. By works shall no man be justified.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.” (Luke 18:10)

The Pharisees are very religious people. They knew the scripture and they pretended to practice it. They wear it on their sleeves and put their noses in the air. They are the holier than thou people. They were always pretending, behaving, and acting holier than the other people.

The other one was a publican, despised sinner, recognized publicly as a disreputable person in the society.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other menare, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much ashis eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:11-13)

He did not have any good work to boast about. He did not have any tithe to claim that he paid. He did not have any fast to say he fasted. He acknowledged that he was a sinner and asked for mercy.

One came religiously, nose in the air, arrogant, boasting of his works, fasting, giving, tithing and then comparing himself to the publican. He was self-justifying. But the Publican could not even lift up his eyes to Heaven. He acknowledged he was a sinner and asked for mercy. Then Jesus concluded:

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justifiedrather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

That is what happens when we humble ourselves before God and we are genuine in repenting of our sins, we are genuine in seeking His mercies. He cannot look away. He looks at us. He looks upon us. He extends mercy. He extends grace. He extends forgiveness and He lifts us out of the miry clay and sets us on the rock and put a new song in our mouth.

And that is exactly what God wants to do for you. He wants to lift you out of fear, out of depression, out of insecurity, out of lack, out of pain, out of a situation where banks have failed you; you have money in the bank but no access to it, money has failed in the land and you find no help anywhere. Now, look unto God in true contrition of heart, in genuine repentance and ask for His mercy. And you will see the difference the mercy of God makes. Mercy makes a way where there is no way. Mercy is an attribute of God. He is the Father of mercy.

Mercy justifies. Mercy forgives. Mercy purifies. That is what Jesus Christ brought for us, He brought mercy.