PHILIPPIANS 2:27

“For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.”

We have probably all at some point in our life begged God for mercy. Maybe it was over a sick child or relative. It could have been over a situation in which you saw no way of escape. You may have even asked this in a prayer about an act or deed that is threatening the innocent life of a newborn. We know God does hear and grant mercy. He is a merciful God.

Paul had undoubtedly prayed for God’s mercy on behalf of Epaphroditus when he became ill. This wasn’t just seasonal allergies or a head cold. No! Paul says, “he was sick to the point of death.” We don’t know how he became ill or exactly what he was suffering from, but we do know it was serious. If Epaphroditus had died, it would have not only grieved the Philippian church but Paul himself. God’s mercy extended to everyone.

APPLICATION

Paul uses the verb form of the word for “mercy,” eleeó, which means “to show mercy as God defines it, i.e. as it accords with His truth (covenant) which expresses ‘God’s covenant-loyalty-mercy’ (i.e. acting only on His terms)” (HELPS Word Studies) No one is able to show true mercy except God. A common definition of mercy is “not getting what you deserve.”

I have visited a lot of people who were in the hospital and needed mercy. When I have prayed for these individuals, I almost always ask for God to show mercy, to do what doctors cannot do, thus signifying it was a divine act. I have, in some cases, seen God do just that. He relieved them of suffering in a way that only He could do. This was, not doubt, what Paul was describing in today’s verse concerning Epaphroditus.

But let’s get real personal for a moment. To whom can you show mercy? I have a friend who was robbed by a passenger in his taxi a few years ago. He had a choice to make. Does he chase this person down and press charges or does he show him mercy? He chose the latter. Showing mercy is not a natural human trait. Only through the power of the Spirit are we able to do that. Will you show mercy today?

O Lord, I know mercy is Your nature and not mine. Help me show mercy as You have shown mercy to me.