We continue our series on the Beatitudes this week with Matthew 5:7:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
James 2:12-13 instructs us:
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
This is a strong command. If we are not merciful to others, we will not be shown mercy.
Why does God instruct us to be merciful? Because God has given us mercy. We have sinned against Him immeasurably more than anything anyone could ever do to us. When we realize how much mercy God has given us for our wrongs, we have no excuse but to be merciful to others. Those who understand how much they have been forgiven for will have a merciful heart toward others.
In Luke 7, a woman who had lived a sinful life came and wet Jesus’ feet with her tears. While the Pharisees were quick to judge her, Jesus had mercy on her.
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
Luke 7:47
I think it’s often harder to be merciful toward those who are struggling with something we haven’t experienced before. I have a merciful heart for parents and couples struggling in their marriages, because I have made a lot of mistakes in my marriage and raising my children, and God has shown me mercy.
When I see a parent frustrated with their children, while others are pointing their fingers in judgment, I want to run and hug the parent. I have mercy because I understand their struggles. I know it is impossible to be a good parent without God’s grace and mercy. So I can’t judge them when they are struggling.
I feel the same for spouses who are causing trouble in their marriages. When someone shares a marriage problem with me, I feel sorrow for the spouse who is causing harm, because I know what it is like to be blinded by sin. You don’t see the hurt you are causing your family.
This doesn’t mean we have to relate to everyone’s struggles to have a merciful heart toward them. Jesus was already tempted in every way. So we learn how to be merciful through Him.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
I often pray for God to help me see people through His eyes. I want to see others as He sees them. I don’t want to have an unmerciful heart because I know I need His mercy. I know what I am without Him. And if I need His mercy, then others need it too.
Heavenly Father,
We praise You for Your great mercy. Give us revelation of Your mercy toward us. Help us to see people through Your eyes, so we can have a merciful heart toward them. We know we have been forgiven for more than anything anyone can ever do to us. Remind us to be merciful toward others, so we will be shown mercy when we stumble.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!
*The Beatitudes series will continue next Tuesday.
I am a wife of
sixteen years, mother of four children, and author of “You Can Have a Happy
Family: Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children” and two devotionals: “The LOVE Walk: A 15-Week Devotional on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8” and “Armor of Light: A 7-Week Devotional on Ephesians 6:10-18.” God has done an amazing work in me and my family
since He rescued me thirteen years ago. Because of His unfailing love, I am passionate
about sharing His love with others. You can learn more about my testimony and
writings on my blog (SharingTruths.com) and my website (AmandaBeth.net).
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