“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.
Blessed are the merciful, the fifth beatitude from Christ. Mercy. What is mercy? Webster defines mercy as, compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
Are you merciful to others? Do you show compassion to those who you have every “right” to punish or harm? Is forgiveness your first line of defense when you have been wronged?
Having mercy can be extremely difficult. The only way we will be able to show true compassion is to follow Christ’s example.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) explains how each one of us have been saved through Christ’s love, grace and mercy:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Also, in Titus 3:4-5 (NLT), Paul reminds this young leader and the Church of their Savior’s love and kindness because of his mercy:
But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
How are we able to show compassion to others? The same way Jesus did—through love, kindness and grace. We must put others before ourselves and offer compassion that may not be deserved, but would speak volumes of Christ’s love! Each of us have been shown this mercy, compassion, and forgiveness that only Christ can give. Because of his mercy, we have experienced a life of grace and will experience an eternity with Him! Don’t you want your life to reflect this kindness and compassion, so that other’s will turn to their loving Savior?
-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care