“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
5:7
“Blessed are the merciful,
Mercy is active compassion that helps the hurting. Mercy is more than pity for another person; it is identification and involvement with the person in his or her need. Mercy is grace in action or grace applied.
The Hebrew word for mercy carries the idea of identification with the suffering of others. Mercy depends on the character of the person showing mercy and not on the person receiving mercy.
for they shall receive mercy.
Those who show mercy will receive mercy from God. This does not mean that we can earn God’s mercy for salvation. The word “they” is emphatic. God will emphatically meet those who manifest mercy toward others.
For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Jas 2:13
PRINCIPLE:
Mercy is generosity towards others.
APPLICATION:
Showing mercy is not a condition for obtaining God’s mercy. We show mercy because God already showed us mercy in Christ. God, however, does meet the needs of those who show mercy.
…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Tit 3:5
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Pe 2:9-10
When we could punish someone, instead we withhold retribution. There is mercy in forgiveness. We do not treat people on the basis of what they deserve or earn. Since no one earns or deserves anything from God, no one should have to earn or deserve anything from us. This is a relaxed way to live. Our treatment to others does not depend on their attitude towards us. This is very difficult for the legalistic person who wants an eye for an eye.
