The Quality of Mercy
Scripture Focus
Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
Genesis 4:1-5 (ESV)
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)
Mercy — biblical mercy — the kind God gives and calls us to — is steadfast, loyal love… a compassion that forgives, uplifts, and goes the extra mile. It is choosing to be kind when you have the right not to be. It’s choosing forgiveness when revenge is an option.
“But the Lord said to Samuel… ‘Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7 CSB)
“For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12 CSB)
“Search Me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:33-34 ESV)
“The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?’” (Genesis 4:6)
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7 ESV)
“Truly, truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40 ESV)
“Truly I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” (Matthew 25:45 ESV)
"The quality of mercy is not strained; It drops as the gentle rain from heaven on the place beneath. It is twice blest; It blesses the one that gives and the one that takes… It is an attribute of God himself; And earthly power looks most like God's when mercy seasons justice… Though justice be your plea, consider this: that, in the course of justice, none of us should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; and that same prayer teaches us all to render the deeds of mercy."
William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I (paraphrased)
“Poor Cain falls to pieces! But not because he felt any compassion for Abel and his parents, or even because he had sinned against God. His cry was one of terror and self-pity… He felt fear and self-pity, but no remorse.“ (Preaching the Word Commentary)
“My punishment is greater than I can bear… whoever finds me will kill me.” (Genesis 4:13-14 ESV)
“By all estimates God’s mark, whatever it was, was an amazing grace. Cain was cursed and separated from God, yet guarded by God. Cain’s life still belonged to God. He bore God’s image, however disfigured that image was. This was the utmost mercy that God could do, and does, for the unrepentant” (Preaching the Word Commentary).
This week
Starting Point
New to LCC? Starting point is for you! Meet with leadership and learn about what God is doing in and through Lighthouse. Light food provided. Sign up here.🗓️ Sunday, January 18 - 🕥 10:30 AM or 🕧 12:30 PM - 📍 Room 321 (Building 2)
Fruitland Elementary - Stock the Pantry
Thank you for providing healthy food to kids and families in need! Please leave your donated items on the cart in the foyer.🗓️ January 11th - 25th
Wednesday Nights
Find true connection and community through a Wednesday night group. From adult classes, to Youth Group, and LCC Kids G.L.O.W., There is a discipleship opportunity for everyone! Learn more & register.
🗓️ Wednesday, January 21 - 🕡 Various times
The Grove
The Grove is a place for adults in their 30s and 40s to connect, build friendships, and grow in Christ together. Learn more & register.
🗓️ Sunday, January 25 - 🕖 3:00-5:00 PM - 📍 Coffee Shop (Building 2)
L.Y.A. Worship Night
All young adults (Graduated 18-29) are invited to join us for a time of worship, teaching, and socializing. Our goal is to cultivate a strong community focused on fostering relationships with each other and Jesus.
🗓️ Sunday, January 25 - 🕖 7:00 PM - 📍 Room 320 (Building 2)
2025 Giving Statements
Annual Giving Statements were emailed this week. If you did not receive yours, please contact the office at 253-848-2028 or office@lighthousehome.org.
Visit www.lighthousehome.org/whats-happening-at-lcc for the complete list of upcoming groups, classes, and events.
eNews
Visit www.lighthousehome.org/enews to sign up for LCC's weekly eNews. Get special announcements and messages from our pastors and Leadership Team, updates and emergency notices, and a first look at what’s upcoming.