Mercy, a central theme in the Bible, is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. It is a divine attribute and a fundamental aspect of God's character. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for mercy, "chesed," often appears in the context of God's covenantal love and faithfulness. For instance, in Exodus 34:6, God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth."

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing mercy as a key component of Christian living. Jesus Christ embodies divine mercy, offering forgiveness and healing to sinners and the marginalized. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This statement underscores the reciprocal nature of mercy in the Christian life.

Mercy is not merely an emotion but an action. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates mercy as active compassion, where the Samaritan aids a wounded man, demonstrating love that transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The Apostle Paul also exhorts believers to practice mercy, as seen in Romans 12:8, where he encourages those with the gift of mercy to exercise it cheerfully.

God's mercy is ultimately revealed in the redemptive work of Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5 states, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved." This passage highlights that salvation is an act of divine mercy, underscoring the unmerited favor bestowed upon humanity.

Evangelism

Evangelism is the proclamation of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, with the aim of leading others to faith and discipleship. Rooted in the Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers in Matthew 28:19-20 , "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

The early church exemplified evangelism through the apostles' missionary journeys and the spread of the Gospel across diverse regions. The Book of Acts records numerous instances of evangelistic efforts, such as Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) and Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 13-28). These accounts demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers to witness.

Evangelism is both a privilege and a responsibility for Christians. It involves sharing the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 : "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

The method of evangelism can vary, from personal conversations and public preaching to acts of service and love that reflect Christ's character. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life that adorns the Gospel, as seen in Colossians 4:5-6 : "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Ultimately, evangelism is an act of obedience to Christ's command and an expression of love for others, desiring that all may come to the knowledge of the truth and experience the saving grace of God.