Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Being merciful is an integral part of kingdom living. It places us in a blessed, privileged state of being under God’s favour. Mercy is more than compassion. Compassion is a deep feeling for those who are suffering, with a sincere desire to alleviate it. But mercy is active compassion. A merciful person finds opportunities to show it outwardly through action.
The greatest display of mercy was on the cross, when God, who is rich in mercy, forgave our transgressions in Christ. Mercy withholds the deserved punishment for sin. Mercy forgives, keeps no record of sins, and remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12).
We are to be merciful because we have experienced it in our own relationship with God. We received it freely from God, without cost. Hence, we should extend it freely to others. He who honours God shows mercy on others (Proverbs 14:31).
Consider, for a moment, the mountainous list of our sins which God has forgiven. Then the offences from people will start to look like a molehill. When we show mercy, especially to the undeserving, we display God’s nature to the world. In Joseph’s story, mercy gave a hug – a sign of forgiveness – to the brothers who wronged him. It also gave them a seat at the king’s table and a new land to live in.
God’s mercies are new every morning, sufficient to meet every need of the day. Therefore, let us wake up each morning expecting His fresh provision of mercies, and allow it to flow out from us into our mercy-deficient world.
Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Be merciful!
