Beatitudes - Blessed are the merciful... 1 of 2

Matt. 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Something that I have found interesting in this study on the Beatitudes is they get progressively more challenging. Each one is a little more difficult than the one before like a higher rung on the ladder toward spiritual maturity.

Mercy is the character of God. Our entire faith is based on the fact that he extends mercy to us. The fact that he is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4) indicates that we should try to be the same. I have seen mercy defined as one who has a tender heart that cares and acts for the good of others. We are not only to extend mercy but we are called to “love mercy.” Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to humbly walk with your God.

We have many opportunities each week, even daily, to exercise mercy. Here are some of the key ones:

Material needs of others - We should do our part to help restore the dignity of others. 1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Those who are lost or struggling in their faith - Jude 1:22 Be merciful to those who doubt
Blind eye / deaf ear - We should mercifully be willing to overlook the mistakes and weaknesses of others remembering that we have our own deficiencies.
Our words - We should be merciful with our words to others and about others. Don’t contribute to taking away another person’s good name in gossip. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Unreasonable expectations of others - Matt 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
When we have been wronged - Think about Joseph and the wrongs that were done to him. God used them for His purposes and Joseph’s good.

Mercy can be very challenging. No one promised that the Christian life would be easy. However, since we rely on God’s mercy to give us eternal life, shouldn’t we freely extend mercy to others in this life? Next week we will look further into our call to be good forgivers. Until then…

Have mercy,

Big E

Matt. 5:6