Friday, June 10, 2022
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
A convicted criminal, standing before a judge, desperately desires mercy more than justice. Justice demands an exacting penalty, whereas mercy provides leniency.
Of our own merit, we stand condemned before our Creator Father. If justice is to be meted out, it will be a death sentence: “for the wages of sin is death …” Romans 6:23. Our guilt is unquestioned, and the penalty certain; therefore it is mercy we seek rather than justice. Thankfully, if we come humbly without pretense, mercy is indeed what we will receive: “…for the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The proof of gratitude for mercy is mercy shown to others. Jesus taught a parable about an unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). Had the servant truly been appreciative of the massive mercy shown to him he would have quickly forgiven the negligible debt owed to him. He was unmerciful to his own peril.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus seems to reverse the process: those who exhibit mercy are promised mercy. And yet, in relation to the other Beatitudes, mercy received manifests itself in mercy expressed.
As we’ve previously stated, all of the Beatitudes are connected; each are stair steps toward kingdom lifestyle. We begin with an awareness of our spiritual bankruptcy (poor in spirit), we emotionally respond to our condition (those who mourn), we develop a mindset in response (the meek), and we long for a solution (hunger and thirst for righteousness). Having mercifully received the solution to our spiritual need, we then begin to respond by exhibiting mercy to others.
Mercy shown is our barometer of mercy valued. So, our checkup from the neck up is this simple question: How merciful am I toward others? No fudging on your answer; your Father knows the truth regardless of your response. Nothing is hidden before the all-seeing, all-knowing One. He knows if the measure given is proportionate to the measure received.
How can I be more merciful? Remembering our deepest cry for mercy in the depths of our greatest need is springboard to a life of mercy toward others.
Pastor Steve
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
A convicted criminal, standing before a judge, desperately desires mercy more than justice. Justice demands an exacting penalty, whereas mercy provides leniency.
Of our own merit, we stand condemned before our Creator Father. If justice is to be meted out, it will be a death sentence: “for the wages of sin is death …” Romans 6:23. Our guilt is unquestioned, and the penalty certain; therefore it is mercy we seek rather than justice. Thankfully, if we come humbly without pretense, mercy is indeed what we will receive: “…for the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The proof of gratitude for mercy is mercy shown to others. Jesus taught a parable about an unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). Had the servant truly been appreciative of the massive mercy shown to him he would have quickly forgiven the negligible debt owed to him. He was unmerciful to his own peril.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus seems to reverse the process: those who exhibit mercy are promised mercy. And yet, in relation to the other Beatitudes, mercy received manifests itself in mercy expressed.
As we’ve previously stated, all of the Beatitudes are connected; each are stair steps toward kingdom lifestyle. We begin with an awareness of our spiritual bankruptcy (poor in spirit), we emotionally respond to our condition (those who mourn), we develop a mindset in response (the meek), and we long for a solution (hunger and thirst for righteousness). Having mercifully received the solution to our spiritual need, we then begin to respond by exhibiting mercy to others.
Mercy shown is our barometer of mercy valued. So, our checkup from the neck up is this simple question: How merciful am I toward others? No fudging on your answer; your Father knows the truth regardless of your response. Nothing is hidden before the all-seeing, all-knowing One. He knows if the measure given is proportionate to the measure received.
How can I be more merciful? Remembering our deepest cry for mercy in the depths of our greatest need is springboard to a life of mercy toward others.
Pastor Steve
