Mercy Blesses

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
 
WHEN you consider one who is merciful, who comes to mind? Perhaps you think of one of countless people who have denied life’s comforts to diligently offer God’s mercy to people who live in very difficult circumstances. Perhaps you consider a clergy person or someone in your family who has a special gift of loving and caring for hurting people. Mothers are often portrayed as merciful guardians of their home and children. A mother’s love extends into a child’s life at all ages and in all circumstances to assure them, “I love you.”
   “Mercy” certainly brings to mind gracious and good people. But is there any problem in being merciful? A worldly culture perhaps, would see a problem. For true mercy is to truly give up a good deal of ourselves. Merciful hearts forgive. Mercy causes us as a “good Samaritan” to stop what we are doing and adjust our journey to God’s mission. Merciful eyes direct us to look for places where we can intervene with God’s peace, grace and redemption. But sadly this can cause many to take advantage of us. Some use our mercy as an open door to continue their sinful lifestyles.
   A merciful act can also cause someone who doesn’t really know you to view you with suspicion? Sometimes a person is incredulous you would want to help. Other times, of course, they are very appreciative. Reaction to your mercy can be indifference, suspicion or gratitude.
   To put aside the world’s view of mercy, we keep our eyes on Jesus’ promise. We do not seek reward for our mercy in this life. Instead, we know there is a kingdom reward for the merciful – they will be shown mercy. As in the other blessings in this “Sermon on the Mount”, God’s Son promises that he will reward the merciful. These are the people whose lives model Jesus’ ministry. To the merciful, the Lord shows his mercy of a deeper loving, personal relationship. Giving mercy to the world, God will bless you with his tender mercies. The priest Zechariah at John the Baptist’s birth affirmed God mercies to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. (Luke 1:77-78) Because of Jesus, you know how wonderful and loving God is to care for you. Just as in the other blessings, living on the kingdom way takes us closer and closer to God. Be merciful, and you will know more intimately the fruit of His Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a) This is kingdom living until you meet Jesus face-to-face. There is no greater blessing.   
 
Jesus Teaches: Mercy becomes real when you realize Christ’s mercy is in the gospel, the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (Romans 1:16)