A Culture Of Mercy

Read: Matthew 5:3-12

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7

IN WORD

When the Bible talks about mercy, it doesn’t simply mean “forgiveness.” Years of focus on our own sins may paint the word in that color for us, but it’s much more comprehensive. It certainly includes forgiveness, but it also implies having compassion on those who are in need and taking pity on the miserable by helping them in practical ways. That applies to our fallen condition, to be sure, but it also applies to specific times of distress. Those who are able to treat others compassionately—forgiving, providing, comforting, and more—are those who will receive the same treatment from God.

That brings into focus several proverbs about the poor and oppressed, as well as verses like Luke 6:38. With whatever measure we use, it will be measured back to us. We don’t like to think of God’s treatment of us being dependent on our treatment of others, but to some degree it is. Our experience of Him will reflect how well we’ve represented Him to those in need.

With that in mind, demonstrate mercy. Don’t take pleasure in anyone’s hardship, even an enemy’s. Bless those who curse you. Forgive with the greatness of the grace God has shown you. Take pity on those in desperate situations, praying for them and meeting their needs practically. In other words and in all other ways, have a heart.

IN DEED

God’s Kingdom is a realm in which hearts are soft and the vulnerable are safe. Just as Jesus was moved with compassion to heal, deliver, and forgive, so are the citizens of His Kingdom moved with compassion toward human suffering in all its forms. This goes beyond politics and economics; it’s a matter of the spirit. And those whose spirits are sensitive enough to show the compassion of God will experience His compassion in increasing measure.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 41:1-3

The more godly any man is, the more merciful that man will be.

THOMAS BENTON BROOKS