R7ehr wrote: ↑Sat Oct 17, 2026 2:50 pm
Probably where we get off track, is demanding mercy for ourselves, when the verse is really teaching us to extend mercy towards others.
They were asking for mercy for a convicted criminal, though - not for themselves.
Jesus said:
Luke 17:2
King James Bible
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Do you think this verse is addressing mercy? Again. when you say "a Christian is not to rejoice at this" are you suggesting that Christians should have a merciful attitude toward the criminal?
Right, I was making a point. We need to discern when mercy is appropriate and when justice is.
I'm happy to Let God decide that. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to be merciful, not administer justice.
Luke 6:35-36 NKJV 35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.