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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I heard a church leader say that he practices the attributes of Jesus, but he bragged that he lacks the attribute of mercy, excusing why he doesn’t do ministry outreach to the sick and the elderly. Isn’t mercy one of the attributes of Jesus Christ? If so, how can a Christian claim to be one and not even have an interest in developing the gift of mercy? – N.M.

A: Satan doesn’t care how much we theorize about Christianity or how much we profess to know Christ. What he does oppose vigorously is the way we live – the way we function in obedience to His Word: being an instrument of mercy, compassion, and love through which He manifests Himself to the world. If Satan can take mercy out of Christianity, he’s killed its effective witness. If he can succeed in getting us to talk a good case of religion but live a poor one, he’s robbed us of our power. Man got into difficulty when he lifted his will against God’s. He gets out of trouble when he bows to the divine superiority and says to God, “Be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13, NKJV).

The Gospel of the New Testament can come into full blossom when the seed of the Spirit is buried in the rich soil of mercy. We shouldn’t let a day go by without thanking God for His mercy to us in Jesus Christ. And when we don’t exhibit mercy to others, we should repent. If we have no mercy toward others, that’s one proof that we’ve never experienced God’s mercy. The Apostle James wrote, “Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13, NKJV).

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.