This Side Of HeavenSample

Mercy Me

When we make a mistake, we want to receive mercy. Yet, do we carry the same attitude when it comes to showing mercy? 

The fifth beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt 5:7) describes a distinct characteristic of a Kingdom citizen. One in the Kingdom is merciful. We are merciful because God is merciful. 

Throughout the Old Testament, God is described as merciful and gracious. (Exodus 34:6; Ps 103:8; Neh 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2 etc.). Since the Lord is merciful, He calls us to do likewise (Lk 6:36). In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the showing of mercy was shown by the Samaritan to a Jew, which was outrageous as both groups were at odds against each other. Interestingly, the people whom we would expect to show mercy, the Priest and the Levite, people who represented God, did not. 

This parable aligns with another recurring phrase through the Bible: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Prov 21:39; Hos 6:6; Matt 9:13; 12:7 etc.). The Priest and Levite were people in charge of offering sacrifices. There is nothing wrong with offering sacrifices, but with the lack of mercy, they completely missed the mark. Offering sacrifices was a form of worship, but when one offers worship with a relationship with others, that is hypocrisy. 

Prayer: Dear God, be merciful to a sinner like me. Lord, by your mercy I declare in faith that I will be merciful as you are merciful. I will “do likewise” to my neighbor even when I am caught up with the business because I want to please You and not man. Father, give me the strength to show mercy, knowing that I am constantly in need of Your mercy and that I am alive and well by Your mercy. Thank you Lord. Amen.