Some thoughts from Tim Keller’s book, Ministries of Mercy, and how it affects my life here in North Chicago.
Keller writes, “The ministry of mercy is expensive, and our willingness to carry it out is a critical sign of our submission to the lordship of Christ.” What is ministry of mercy? And what does it mean to be willing to carry it out?
Ministries of mercy do not begin with justice, compassion or community action. They begin with receiving the mercy of God and responding to such grace by loving Him and loving others. The starting point is God, not us. The Spirit has given us instruction:
God tells us to be merciful, even as He is merciful (Luke 6:36). We are also told to forgive as God forgives (Matthew 6:12,14-15), and to love as God loves (1 John 4:7-12). Who is able to fulfill this call? He tells us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. If these are the greatest commandments, who can keep them? This “humbles us with the love God requires, so we will be willing to receive the love God offers.”
“To receive the mercy of God, we must all come first to the place where we despair of our own moral efforts.” We don’t show mercy on our own, nor do we forgive on our own, nor do we love on our own. We love because God first loved us. This is His mercy, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Ministries of mercy, therefore, are so intimately tied up with our identity in Christ, that it makes sense for Keller to point out that these acts of compassion are evidence of Christ in us.
I attend a church now where a person stood and said he thanked God that this church does not theoretically debate the role of mercy in the Christian life. When a Spirit-filled brother or sister sees a need, they will love because they have been loved and forgiven (Luke 7:47; 1 John 3:16-18). The ministry of the Word is first (it is in this church), and ministry of mercy is woven intimately within the person proclaiming it.
How does this play out in living in North Chicago? First, I’m learning from a church body who loves deeply within and outside its walls. It is such a blessing to be a part of. Second, as I often despair of my own efforts, I rest in God’s mercy and am rejuvenated by His love. Third, each day I try to say “Lord, I am willing.” Thank God for His mercy.
by Daniel Hartman
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
This is a very good post and great points from Tim Keller. I also really liked the comment about theorizing about mercy ministry, I think it should just flow from a renewed heart, that has been touched by God's love and grace. To quote "When a Spirit-filled brother or sister sees a need, they will love because they have been loved and forgiven (Luke 7:47; 1 John 3:16-18)." If this where a reality we wouldnt have all these debates and of course its role in Chrisitan ministry would be well balanced etc.
Post a Comment