Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action

by Matthew C. Harrison

Mercy-the mercy of Christ to and for us-and our demonstration of that mercy to those within and outside the Body of Christ is the key to the future of the Church, to mission and stewardship, to living our Christian lives together in love and forgiveness, to moving boldly and confidently into the future with courage in the Gospel.-from the Preface For two millennia Christians have echoed the pleas of blind men and beggars, Christ, have mercy! These words are part of the historic liturgy (the Kyrie) and have been sighed on deathbeds and in sick rooms and after natural and man-made disasters. But what does it mean to ask our Lord and Savior for mercy? and what about Christs command to be merciful, even as God has been merciful to us? Through Scripture study, real-life experiences, and the writings of Lutheran Church Fathers, Christ Have Mercy urges Christians to consider the innumerable opportunities we have to show mercy-to fellow Christians and to anyone God places in our path. Includes Study Guide

Genres: Christian, Theology

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Harrison must be a Lutheran Theodore Roosevelt. This book reveals the many sides of his personality: interested in every corner of the earth (and because of his ministry he has done everything from live with natives in the far north of Canada for a year, to throw himself into urban renewal of the neighborhood around his urban congregation, to travel the world to assist in relief efforts such as the great Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina), a Lutheran historian and first class theologian, family man, and more. Each chapter reveals something of the man, while taking on a neglected topic from a fresh approach.

The book is about mercy. Since my work is with people who have disabilities and people in prison or suffering, much of what he had to say was directly applicable to why I do what I do. Every chapter took a different aspect of church life / teaching, and showed the role that mercy plays, whether the topic is who God is, what baptism or the Lord's Supper is, the unity of the Christian church, suffering, confession, leadership, etc. In none of his writings did I sense a "boiler plate" approach to Christian doctrine. He always writes in a fresh, heart-felt, creative manner. I have included a quote that really struck me as a fresh statement on the fellowship a family of Christians experiences as they gather around the Lord's Supper.

Harrison led a corporate effort in mercy ministry (as I do) but what always interests me is the manifestation of mercy on a private level. I have known so many clergymen who, contrary to the negative media image today, privately give personal support to several needy families or individuals. (It's not just clergy who are like this, of course, but I remark on it because in almost all the cases I know of, the clergy's personal involvement is unknown to people outside their immediate circle.) It's as though an awareness of having a ministry by the mercy of God (Romans 12) moves these leaders to give tangible assistance in mercy for those around them.

I think that Harrison exemplifies a healthy Christianity. Flowing from Christ, mercy is not something we do because we should, or to earn God's pleasure, or out of a corporate responsibility. Mercy is in our hearts. It's our response to the mercy in our lives. It looks for an outlet. And while we can't (as individuals) supply the needs of the world, I find that merciful people find places to be involved. It's what I love about my work as I enable prisoners to grow spiritually and find encouragement, or make it possible for someone who is blind to have access to spiritual treasures that I enjoy. The people I work with will tell you that we all are serving each other -- the child with autism blesses his family and congregation as much as they bless him.

When Harrison wrote this book, he was not yet president of his denomination, the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. At the time of this book, he led that church in aid and relief efforts. The book was published in July, 2008, just as the financial crisis that rocked the mortgage markets affected the money donated for charitable causes. Toward the end of the book, Harrison's joy in the outpouring of support for his work would probably be tempered today by the cut backs many foundations and donors were forced to do when the economy changed. Most of the book can (and probably should!) be read with interest and profit by any Christian; as the book comes to an end, Harrison is definitely addressing and encouraging the people of his own denomination. It did not detract from the thoughts in the book.

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Y'know, back in the 19th Century, American politics was different than it is today. Presidential candidates didn't go about campaigning. They would stay home and write about the issues of the day, relying on others to hit the campaign trail and spread the word. This book has nothing to do with that. It's a look at mercy--the act of giving help to those who need it--as expressed in the Church and in the life of her members. Writing to Christians, Rev. Harrison weaves stories of mercy with the teachings of the church, showing how the former is built upon the latter. But in the process, he got me thinking about politics. You see, when he wrote it, his name was being bandied about as a potential candidate for the presidency of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. He manages to touch on many issues that were of concern in that election. Made me wonder. Of course, whether he was campaigning or not doesn't affect the worth of the book. It's full of good information and encouragement to those who want to share the mercy of Christ with others. Check it out!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes "required reading" for classes is worth the time and effort. This little book is one that definitely fits in that category.

Firmly grounded in sound doctrine, this book points optimistically to how "Faith and Works" reflect what we really believe about God and His Mercy towards us. This is easy to read, easy to consider, and an excellent "motivator."

You may want to put this book on your shelf! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50....

(I'm not really sure what page I'm on, I am reading the Kindle edition…)

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Harrison has done us a great favor by showing us the Bible's teaching on mercy and its direct correlation to missions. This volume has increased weight as it is written by a man who has been the face of missions in the LCMS for the past several years. He walks the walk and doesn't just talk about missions as other leaders in the LCMS do. This book is absolutely a must read for gaining the inspiration to carry out the mission through works of mercy.

[David]

A book full of optimism in these pessimistic days. Harrison lays out a basic theology of mercy within what could be called a travelogue. Highly recommended for elders meetings or a book study. Harrison will open your eyes to works of mercy everywhere.