BE MERCIFUL
Text: Matthew 5: 7 – Blessed is the merciful for they shall obtain mercy (New King James Version).
Each of the beatitude tells us how God blesses us. Blessed, means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate and enviable state of believers. The blessed state as Jesus used it here, does not promise outright laughter, pleasure or earthly prosperity rather the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. Rm. 9:15 tells us that God shows mercy. Just like Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9 – 13); forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. We should therefore, show mercy so that we might obtain mercy from God too.
Cowper says “Mercy to him that shows it is the rule.” Mercy means “capacity for holding oneself back from punishing or causing suffering to someone whom one has the right to punish”. Do you show mercy to people who have truly offended you, that you may also obtain mercy? Are you of the group that believes in an eye for an eye (Exodus 21: 24) – the Law of Moses? God expects us to be merciful, because He is merciful to us (Exodus 34: 6 & 7). God does not count all our shortcomings otherwise who will stand before Him?
Do you desire blessedness in this life? Do you desire joy, the deepest form of happiness? Do you desire peace of God which passes all understanding? You must follow the example of Jesus to the woman caught in the very act (John 8: 1 – 11). Show mercy and you will also receive it. This is the very key to peace.
Food for Thought: “Mercy imitates God, and disappoints Satan” – Chrysostom
Prayer Points:
1. Ask God to sow in you the spirit of mercy
2. Pray, God’s mercies will be upon you always
3. Ask for grace to show mercy to people always
Good work thank you for sharing.
Thanks Martin
Thanks my brother