The transforming power of kingdom mercy.

by David Zepf

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

In a world that increasingly celebrates revenge, kingdom mercy stands as a radical alternative — a divine characteristic that marks God’s people as truly different. But what does it mean to be people of mercy in an unmerciful age? And how does mercy shape our witness to a watching world?

Nature of mercy

On a cold morning in first century Jerusalem, a crowd gathered around Jesus, bringing with them a woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders, sensing an opportunity to trap this teacher who spoke so much about mercy, posed their challenge: “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” (John 8:5).

Jesus’ response — first writing in the dust, then declaring, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (v. 7) — reveals the heart of kingdom mercy. It neither ignores justice nor celebrates wrong but creates space for transformation through grace.

One by one, the accusers departed, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. His words to her capture the essence of kingdom mercy: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (v. 11).

This scene illustrates how kingdom mercy differs from mere tolerance or overlooking wrong. True mercy acknowledges the reality of sin while extending the possibility of redemption. It’s not mercy if there’s nothing to forgive; it’s not kingdom mercy if it leaves people unchanged.

Cost of mercy

Living as people of mercy comes with a price. It requires us to die to our natural instincts for revenge, to surrender our “right” to hold grudges, and to actively participate in God’s redemptive work in others’ lives. This can feel particularly challenging when we’ve been personally wounded or when showing mercy seems to disadvantage us.

Consider Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him into slavery. Years later, with power to exact revenge, he instead chose mercy: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s mercy didn’t minimize his brothers’ sin; rather, it positioned him to participate in God’s larger redemptive purpose.

This kind of mercy isn’t passive or weak. It’s a powerful force that can break cycles of violence, heal generational wounds, and transform both the one showing mercy and the one receiving it. Kingdom mercy costs us our pride, our desire for revenge, and sometimes even our sense of justice. But it yields eternal dividends.

Mercy in action

What does kingdom mercy look like in practice? Consider these modern expressions:

Restorative justice. Rather than simply punishing wrongdoers, kingdom people seek ways to restore and heal both victims and offenders. This might mean working in prison ministry, supporting reconciliation programs, or advocating for justice systems that emphasize rehabilitation over mere punishment.

Radical forgiveness. When the families of those killed in the Charleston, South Carolina church shooting publicly forgave the shooter, they demonstrated kingdom mercy that shocked the world. Such forgiveness doesn’t negate justice but points to a higher reality.

Economic mercy. Kingdom people practice mercy through extending debt forgiveness, participating in generous giving, and creating economic opportunities for others. This might mean cancelling debts, helping someone start a business, or supporting initiatives that provide economic dignity to the marginalized.

Relational mercy. In an age of cancel culture, kingdom people choose to extend second chances, maintain relationships even through disagreement, and actively work toward reconciliation when possible.

Mercy as power

Kingdom mercy transforms both giver and receiver. When we show mercy, we participate in God’s character and allow His nature to be formed in us. When we receive mercy, we experience the heart of God and are changed by His grace.

Consider the story of John Newton, the former slave trader who encountered God’s mercy and was transformed into an abolition advocate and wrote “Amazing Grace.” His life demonstrates how experiencing mercy leads to showing it, creating a beautiful cycle of transformation.

Mercy as witness

In a world marked by polarization, revenge, and the celebration of others’ downfall, kingdom mercy serves as a powerful witness. When Christians show mercy in situations where the world expects vengeance, it raises questions that point to the gospel.

Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Similarly, our practice of mercy, especially when it’s costly or counter-cultural, identifies us as kingdom people and attracts others to our King.

Challenges to mercy

Living as people of mercy presents several challenges in our current context.

The justice question. How do we balance mercy with the legitimate need for justice? Kingdom mercy doesn’t negate justice but transforms how we pursue it.

The wisdom test. When does showing mercy enable destructive behavior? Kingdom wisdom must guide our expression of mercy.

The personal cost. Showing mercy often comes with personal cost: emotional, financial, or relational. Are we willing to pay that price?

The cultural pressure. In a culture that often celebrates revenge and “canceling” others, choosing mercy can make us appear weak or naive.

Growing in mercy

How do we grow as people of mercy? Several practices can help.

Remember our own need. Regularly reflecting on God’s mercy toward us helps us extend mercy to others.

Practice small mercies. Start with daily opportunities to show mercy in small ways: in traffic, at work, in family relationships.

Study Jesus’ example. The Gospels provide numerous examples of Jesus showing mercy. Study these carefully.

Pray for your enemies. Jesus’ command to pray for those who persecute us cultivates a merciful heart.

Agents of mercy

Kingdom mercy is revolutionary. It breaks cycles of revenge, transforms relationships, and witnesses to God’s character in a world desperate for hope. As kingdom people, we’re called to be agents of this divine mercy, letting it flow through us to touch a hurting world.

When we do this, we don’t just help others; we participate in God’s ongoing work of redemption. We demonstrate that there’s another way to live, another kingdom operating by different principles. In doing so, we fulfill our calling as kingdom people: to be light in darkness, to be agents of transformation, and to show the world what God is like. As we embrace our identity as people of mercy, we find ourselves changed. Our hearts expand, our capacity for love grows, and we become more like our merciful King. In a world crying out for hope, kingdom mercy offers a revolutionary alternative — one act of grace at a time.