Articles
Blessed Are the Merciful
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Our Lord has exhibited the greatest form of mercy in providing salvation for all, even the chief of sinners (1Tim. 1:15f). He saved us because of His gracious lovingkindness in spite of our insurmountable infirmities. Since we are commanded to imitate Christ in His attitudes and activities (Phil. 2:5; 1Cor. 11:1), we MUST abound in godly mercy.
Showing mercy, though, takes a large dose of humility. We are forced to recognize Christ’s mercy for us in light of our own numerous transgressions. To be consistent with His example, we must respond according to His herculean standard. When a brother or sister wrongs us or sins in a public way, we must have a superabundance of grace and mercy, compassion and love. As a most profound result we are granted confidence in accessing His throne of mercy in our own time of need (Heb. 4:16).
James spoke well when he said, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). May we ever seek Christ’s blessing of mercy by being merciful as He is.
