The Ministry of Mercy — Being an Advocate for Children in Need

April 9, 2009

In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matt. 5:1-48; 6:1-34; 7:1-29) we are challenged by Jesus Christ Himself as to what kind of character we should have as Christians. Christ directs us to what should define our outer way of life and our inner habit of mind.

There is no other section of Scripture that brings Christians face to face with their humanity and the grace of salvation as the Sermon does. As Christ masterfully expounds on the Kingdom of Heaven, He presents believers with the perfect standard of the Christian life. He challenges the genuineness of our words and actions, allowing us to know exactly where we stand in relation to the Kingdom. Both humbling and encouraging, it is the greatest message ever preached.

The Sermon on the Mount begins with what is called “The Beatitudes” (Matt. 5:1-12) The Beatitudes give us the character of those who are the true children of God. The first four Beatitudes focus on our relationship to God, and the second four on our relationship to our fellowman.

A discussion on the meaning and applications of the Sermon is inexhaustible. That being said, I would like to discuss a very specific aspect of the Sermon, that being the topic of Mercy (Matt. 5:7). Even more specifically, I would like to discuss the “Ministry of Mercy” carried out in the lives of “Children in Need — the abused and neglected”.

James 1:27 tells us Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Today, approximately 500,000 children in the US are caught up in the court and child welfare maze because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine you, a Christian, being empowered to minister to these children in need.

The basic idea of the Greek word translated merciful is “to give help to the wretched, to relieve the miserable.” Here the essential thought is that mercy gives attention to those in misery. A synonym for mercy would be compassion. An important distinction is that mercy is not simply feeling compassion. Mercy exists when something is done to alleviate distress. Mercy is compassion in action.

One can only imagine how wretched and miserable a child would be who has and now may be experiencing neglect, verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and seperation from parents.

If you desire to walk out James 1:27 and Matt. 5:7, consider becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, in doing so you would be empowered to make a lifelong difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. This child advocacy program is not Christian in its founding, but remember, we are to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16), in the world, not of the world; a light in a dark place. This program provides Christians a truly unique opportunity to be “Ministers of Mercy”.

Please pray and ask God how you might be involved in life transforming ministry to children in need.

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