Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "merciful". It is amazing to me that with all of the words we've covered, there are still some that we never have! We'll be looking just at the New Testament for these:

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. KJV

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. KJV

Hebrews 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. KJV

In Luke we have the Greek word "oiktirmon". Strong's Concordance says: compassionate. {The Dictionary definition of "compassionate" is they feel or show pity, sympathy, and understanding for people who are suffering} Vine's Expository Dictionary says: pitiful, compassionate for the ills of others. In Matthew and Hebrews we have the Greek word eleemon", Strong's Concordance also defines this as compassionate (actively). Vine's Expository Dictionary says: not simply possessed of pity, but actively compassionate, used of Christ as a High Priest and of those who are like God. Many people have concerns for the well being of others, but the truly merciful person will put action to their compassion! JESUS showed the height of compassion when He took upon Himself OUR sins, sicknesses, shortcomings and problems! HE is TRULY "merciful"! Because HE lives IN us, then WE can choose to be merciful, too! Here is Hillsong -TAYA with "Mercy":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!