A Special Season for Mercy

Jesus is the very embodiment of God’s mercy. What does that mean for his followers? Specifically, how will you and your church show mercy this Advent season? Advent is a season of waiting- waiting in hope for Christ's return. In the waiting things are hard, but God’s people have a unique opportunity, by extending God’s mercy to each other and beyond, to provide hope in the waiting and point us to the day when all things will be made right.

We’ve all heard talk about the “K” curve of the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve been encouraged to not shy away from asking the top half of the curve to give since they haven’t been adversely affected financially by the pandemic. But what about the bottom half, those who have been hit hard with loss of income, medical bills and other pandemic induced hardships? How might God be calling us to engage with those in need?

Let’s explore two areas for consideration: the needs within your church and the needs beyond your church family. We’ll take them in reverse order.

Showing Mercy to Your Neighbors

Depending on your context, it may be hard or easy to spot the needs around you. In an economically depressed or diverse context, you may be confronted with the needs of your neighbors literally on your doorstep. In wealthier and more insulated settings, you may have to be more proactive to look for needs in your community.

As the pastor or church leader, it’s important for you to talk about the church’s willingness to extend help and mercy. Remind your members publicly and often that the church has resources that can help pay a bill or fix a furnace for their friends or neighbors who are struggling. Encourage your members to extend God’s mercy by taking advantage of the church’s resources. What we can not accomplish alone, we can do together and “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!” (Philippians 4:13).

If you find it hard to identify needs, partnering with local organizations who are doing good work in your community is a great option. Encourage your members to volunteer with these organizations. Your church can provide much needed resources including people. 

Why not ask local schools what needs they have? Are they underfunded and in need of supplies? Do they need labor for a clean-up day? Do they know of families in the community who are in need? 

Here’s an aspirational goal, borrowed from a pastor in DC. What if your church was so instrumental in loving and serving your town or city that if you moved or closed your doors, neighbors would lament and miss God’s love and mercy as they experienced it through your church? Jesus said “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40) Let’s serve as if we are serving God himself. 

Sharing Mercy within Your Church

Within the church, pride and shame can be a barrier to asking for help. Consider how you as pastor or leader might create an environment where giving and receiving help is a regular and expected part of church life. You may need to actively break down an existing mentality that people don’t or shouldn’t need help. We’ve all been given mercy and are called to extend mercy to others. Receiving mercy doesn’t just benefit the receiver - it is a witness to the world. Let’s love one another so well that all people will know we are disciples of Jesus! 

Here are two important principles in developing a culture where people are willing, and even expect, to receive mercy:

• Offer Help: Be proactive in not waiting for people to ask for help, but rather ask them. Regularly offer help to members facing outstanding circumstances such as medical expenses, counseling, adoption fees, house repairs and bills. Can the church offer coats for winter, work clothes to go on interviews or computers for work or school? Make those offers regularly so when members do hit hard times, they know they are welcome to ask for help. Also, help doesn’t have to be financial or physical, members can be blessed by your time, a listening ear or making use of one of one of the gifts within your congregation. 

• Celebrate Stories: Tell your church’s stories of mercy often to celebrate what God has done and to make sharing mercy a regular and expected part of your church’s life. Be sure to steward these stories well - i.e. protect privacy as appropriate but share regularly and generally about how the church has helped each other through hard times. 

There are lots of opportunities for your church to extend mercy during Advent. If you want to brainstorm ideas, clients can contact your Partner Strategist for resources. If there are thoughts you’d add to this article, we’d love to hear from you. If you have stories or ideas to share with others, contact us at hello@auxilio.partners.