"Blessed Are The Merciful"

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

The dictionary defines the word mercy as: A refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, etc. Kindness in excess of what may be expected. A disposition to give or be kind. The power to forgive or be kind; clemency. Kind or compassionate treatment. Blessings.

According to the definition, mercy is always directed toward an offender, enemy, a transgressor, etc. It wasn't until after Adam and Eve sinned against God by breaking His command that they needed mercy. When they sinned, God's mercy and grace stepped into the picture. Mercy withholds what is deserved. They deserved punishment, and while the consequences of their sins came upon them- they lost that intimate relationship with the Lord, a curse came upon them and the ground, they were driven out of the Garden, they had to sweat and toil in their work, they would begin to have pain, sorrow and suffering, and were under the death sentence and brought that sentence upon all mankind- the punishment for their sins would be placed on Jesus at the cross. This is where God's mercy and grace stepped into the lives of humanity. Our punishment was taken by Jesus (that's mercy) and the opportunity was given through His punishment for us to have forgiveness of our sins and everlasting life (that's grace).

God's mercy has stepped into our lives more times than we realize or could count. The greatest evidence of His mercy was when we came to Him in repentance for our sins and received Jesus as Savior and Lord. He did not turn us away and reject us. He forgave us and welcomed us into His family. And even now that we are His children, there are times when we fail, disobey or act stubborn, but God's mercy and grace are still being poured out on us by loving and forgiving us each time.

Beloved, if God has shown us so much mercy, should we not do the same to others? We have freely received His mercy, should we not also freely give it? He gave it to us when we were His enemies, when we were the offender, when we sinned against Him, should we not do the same to those who offend us? Yes we should.- for two reasons. 1) We should show mercy because we bear the likeness and character of our Heavenly Father. So as His children we should be like He is and do what He does. He is merciful, therefore, we should be merciful. 2) There is a Biblical principle that says- you reap what you sow. If we are not merciful, then we won't receive/reap mercy when we need it.

Today you need to check your "mercy level". Are you walking in mercy by being merciful with those who fail or have offended you? Are you giving to others the same mercy you have received? As God's child are you exhibiting His character to others by showing mercy? Or are you being merciless- taking revenge, holding a grudge, being cruel and unkind?

Have a great day. Mercy is not needed if there is no offense, but when there is-- are you merciful?

For further reading:
Matthew 10:8
2 Samuel 22:26
Psalm 18:25
Galatians 6:7

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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