The relations of a disciple - Read Hosea 3: 1-5, 11:1-9

So far in our mini-series on the Beatitudes we have looked at the dependence of a disciple, the desires of a disciple and the repentance of a disciple. This week Scott talked to us about the relations of a disciple. Based on Matthew 5:7, Scott reminded us that a merciful life is the life of a disciple who is aligned with the heart and character of God.

Mercy flows from empathy and compassion. The word empathy comes from the Greek words em meaning‘to enter into’and pathos, meaning ‘suffering’. So empathy is to enter into another person's suffering and stand in their shoes. While we can sometimes form our beliefs from behind a veil of ignorance, Jesus understood our world because he was a part of it, not apart from it. The Greek word for compassion means ‘to be moved in one’s inner bowels’. When we stand in other people’s shoes, seek to understand them, and are moved by their situation then we are able to show them mercy. Mercy is the ‘instead word’; instead of judgement, violence, attack; it's showing kindness. Mercy is our story in Christ.

But what does mercy look like in practice?

In the book of Hosea we find a scandalous story in which God demonstrates what mercy looks like through the life of the prophet Hosea. In Hosea 1, Hosea is told by God to go and marry Gomer a promiscuous woman, and have children with her, so that Hosea can understand how God feels about Israel’s unfaithfulness. In chapter 3, after Gomer has gone off, Hosea is told by God to go and again show love to Gomer, even though she is an adulteress. This sad situation illustrates how God has called Israel into relationship with himself as his bride, and then Israel has prostituted themselves by worshipping other gods. Despite this, and the fact that Israel will suffer the consequences of their actions, God continues to demonstrate mercy towards Israel.

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