The Discipline of Mercy: Seeking God in the Wake of Sin's Misery

by Eric Kress, Paul Tautges

A verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Lamentations, as well as a biblical counselor's guide to using Lamentations in counseling situations. Paul Tautges and Eric Kress have given to us a wonderful exposition of the often neglected book of Lamentations. Not only have they brought the full meaning of the text to the surface, but they have filled the commentary with practical suggestions of ways in which this much needed teaching on how to act in the midst of deep suffering can be carried out to the glory of God and the personal enrichment of each individual believer. I heartily recommend this book for those who are in times of deep distress and for the body of Christ that needs to be prepared for every possible form of suffering that may come our way, or that may come in the lives of those we need to reach out to for the glory of God. --Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. President Emeritus Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Genres: Christian Living

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2010

Reviews

[Sarah Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for personal devotion because I’ve been wanting to study Lamentations, but this book is a great tool designed to be used in counseling, particularly in the aftermath of sin (the theme of Lamentations).

It would also be effective in a mentoring relationship or among a small group of close friends, or as I used it, for personal reflection.

For each chapter of Lamentations it gives a couple options for outlines. It then through each chapter verse by verse, giving an exposition of each verse.

After that, each chapter has a section called Insights for Counseling that pulls out the major truths from that section and how they apply to life. I found these breakdowns to be especially helpful reflections on insightful truths.

Finally, each chapter has Homework for Counseling. These are a handful of thought-provoking/introspective questions and practical exercises to follow through on applying those truths. It’s broken up into two sections, the titles of which are telling of their nature, “Thinking Rightly About Sin and About God” and “Hoping in Jesus.”

Ultimately this book is a great reflection on repentance and mercy and what that looks like in the throes of sin and it’s consequences (often long-continuing) - whether that’s your own sin (first and foremost) or even if you are experiencing the consequences of someone else’s sin or just a sin-filled world.

It is strong on truth but also sympathetic and hope-filled as it continually points back to God’s sovereignty and covenant-keeping care as He calls us back to Himself, and what that truly looks like.

[Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book of Lamentations is one of the darkest, most painful books in the Bible. Modern Christians who shy away from honest discussions of pain and sorrow would do well do relearn the lost language of lament.

Kress and Tautges do a marvelous job explaining the meaning of this biblical book and applying its truths to the life of the suffering believer. A great resource for those seeking to better understand the message of Lamentations, and for all who desire practical wisdom on walking through suffering and sadness.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because I was having difficulty finding anything written about the theology of mercy following sin. I also was looking for information on living in the midst of sin's consequences. Overall, I thought the author's treatment of the subject was sound. It was written more like a manual for christian counselors/ministers than as a book for the average reader, however, I found the information approachable and beneficial.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It made the book of Lamentations come alive. So helpful in many ways and a good tool for counseling or discipleship.