In so many ways we’re not like God.
He is eternal, while we’re just a mist that appears for a while before vanishing.
He is almighty, and we’re very weak.
Reflecting on each of God’s perfections, we see how far from these realities we are.
So we just wouldn’t speak of being or doing something “like God.” Have you ever said something along these lines?
I felt a little like God today when I showed compassion to my suffering neighbour.
Probably not. Sounds improper because God and we are in entirely different categories. His ways are far above our ways.
Yet Scripture commands us to be imitators of God (Eph 5:1). That incredible imperative is founded on an indicative even more stunning: the Father has made us his children. Think of how when you observe children, there are moments when you can see their parents reflected so clearly: same behaviour, same words, same mannerisms. The resemblance can be striking.
Throughout our lives, God the Father is mightily shaping us, disciplining us, teaching us. And the result is that we begin to resemble him.
This amazing thing happens particularly when we show mercy to those who are struggling and in need. Christ says in Luke 6:36,
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Scripture says that mercy belongs to God, that his mercy reaches to the heavens, and that his mercy endures forever. This is one of the marvelous perfections of God, and an unending source of comfort for his people. All for the sake of Jesus his Son, God extends life-restoring mercy toward sinners.
Because this is what our Father is like, Christ says that it should become the spirit and pattern of how we treat other people: “Freely you have received, freely give. You have received mercy—now show mercy, just like your Father does.”
For God’s children, mercy isn’t a passing pang of pity. Mercy takes action. Mercy identifies with someone in trouble and gives the needed help, apart from any question of what they deserve.
It’s true that works of mercy can at times seem pointless: like when our kindness is rejected, or when the need simply reappears a month later.
Or we see all the misery in this world, all the suffering, all the sadness in so many places, and our mercy seems so small. Too many tears to dry, too many cups of water to bring, too many wounds to bind up.
Then we remember our God, who “delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18). It’s his joy to show compassion, to pardon sinners, to ease burdens.
He doesn’t tire of mercy, and neither should we. May we always delight to show mercy because this is God’s way.
And as the little children of a perfect Father, our mercy honours him.
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