Speaking as People of Mercy
Dear reader, may I share an important thought from my reading today? It is perhaps the most important thought I have written about.
It comes from a verse in Isaiah, written centuries ago, which gives us a profound insight into God’s way of thinking:
‘If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk … then your light will rise in the darkness.’
— Isaiah 58:9–10
Isaiah was speaking to people who were outwardly religious. They fasted and prayed, yet their words and actions still caused harm to others. God was not impressed by devotion that left their hearts unkind.
It is striking that Isaiah places ‘malicious talk’ alongside oppression. We may be tempted to excuse cruel speech as a small matter, but words can injure deeply. Gossip can ruin a reputation. An accusation can isolate a person. A harsh remark can deepen a wound that no one else can see.
The image of ‘the pointing finger’ feels especially relevant today. We live in a time when anger and judgement can be spread instantly. Social media has made it easy to condemn someone before listening, to pass on rumours before knowing the truth, and to speak words we might never say face to face.
There are times when wrongdoing must be challenged. Isaiah himself was not afraid to speak the truth. But there is a difference between speaking truth with love and taking pleasure in another person’s humiliation.
These words apply to us all. Yet it is sobering to remember that God was addressing religious people: those who believed themselves to be in a comfortable relationship with Him. His words therefore challenge all who bow the knee to God, whether they worship in churches, synagogues, Kingdom Halls, Gospel halls or any other place of worship. They also speak to every human heart, for we are commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves.
It is possible to worship God while speaking cruelly of others. It is possible to talk about grace while showing very little of it. Our speech reveals whether our faith has truly reached our hearts.
Isaiah does not only tell us to stop wounding others. He calls us to become people of mercy. A kind word, a refusal to repeat gossip, a sincere apology, or a quiet defence of someone unfairly judged can bring light into another person’s darkness.
Our generation has more ways to speak than any before it, yet it still needs the ancient discipline of kindness. The world has enough pointing fingers. It needs people whose words are truthful, gentle and shaped by the mercy they themselves have received from God. And may God bless you in your efforts.