WE MUST HAVE MERCY

Matthew 9:2, 6, 12-13 “… Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I desire compassion [for those in distress], and not [animal] sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].” (AMP).
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Mercy. This single word is crucial in the healing process, especially for those who administer healing and deliverance ministries. They must embody and demonstrate mercy towards the sick and those in need of deliverance. Jesus once said to the Pharisees,

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice….’ (Matthew 9:9-13)

Mercy extends beyond mere compassion, which is feeling sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune. It involves feeling deep pity for the sick, and truly sympathizing with their plight. When you feel sympathy for someone, their experiences impact you directly: if they hurt, you hurt; if they are in pain, you are in pain; if they are suffering, you suffer alongside them.

Scripture consistently shows that whenever Jesus encountered people who were suffering, grieving, or battling severe illness, He felt their pain and suffering deeply, even shedding tears with and for them, despite knowing He had the power to change their circumstances. His empathy and mercy were evident, underscoring His profound connection to their experiences.
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Jesus' critique of the Pharisees for their lack of compassion highlights a critical lesson for those involved in healing and deliverance ministries today. We must not view others' suffering as an opportunity to showcase our gifts, authority, or power, nor as a chance to enhance our popularity, reputation, or numbers. We cannot afford to adopt a nonchalant or casual attitude towards their pain. Instead, we must genuinely grieve in our hearts, feeling their hurt and suffering as if it were our own. Our first response must always be to show them mercy.

Let’s summarize

​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).
8. We must have mercy toward the sufferer (Matthew 9:13).