Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Philippians 2:27 NIV
God’s Mercy
Back in the 2020 Covid-impacted World Junior Hockey tournament opening game, Canada showed no mercy against Germany. Canada has never lost to Germany at the World Juniors, and a win for Canada would have been written in ink the moment the schedule was released, such is the gap in talent. It may well have been etched in stone when it was learned that Germany’s COVID-19 concerns would limit them to nine forwards and five defencemen, while Canada would roll four lines consisting of first-round draft picks. At any rate, the final score – 16-2 for Canada.
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Showing no mercy when we are the ones on the losing end of that is extremely painful. Being shown no mercy may happen in this world, but thankfully, it never does in our relationship with Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:27, Paul speaks tenderly of Epaphroditus, a fellow servant who nearly died in his mission to serve Christ. He says this: “Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.” Paul’s words reveal the depth of his love and the weight of his sorrow. Yet, in the midst of this pain, he acknowledges the mercy of God—a mercy that spared not only Epaphroditus but also Paul from “sorrow upon sorrow.” And he reminds us that God sees our grief and meets us with compassion. He doesn’t always remove the suffering, but He always brings comfort, sometimes in ways we don’t expect. Whether through healing, presence, or the support of others, His mercy is real and personal. If you’re walking through a season of sorrow, take heart—God’s mercy is near.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley