Have mercy!

Some of you know that expression from the sitcom “Full House.” Whenever Uncle Jesse kissed his wife, he would exclaim with delight, “Have mercy!”

What he meant was, he was overcome with passion, overwhelmed with desire for his beloved Becky.

The phrase has also been used to express frustration. When something doesn’t go your way, and you don’t see a way out, you can shout in aggravation, “Have mercy!”

That’s like saying, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” or “Oh, come on!”

Whether in delight or frustration, the phrase is full of exclamation, passion, vim, and vigor!

Christians use the phrase another way. To have mercy in the gospels translated in Greek to “eleos,” which meant to show kindness or goodwill to someone miserable or afflicted with a desire to relieve their pain. W…