Matthew 5:7 - The Blessing of Mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV) Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
INTRODUCTION
The best explanation Ive heard of the
difference between the words grace and mercy is this:
Grace means receiving what is not deserved;
in other words, grace is Gods unexpected
blessings on our lives. Mercy means not receiving
what is deserved; in other words, mercy is
Gods amazing compassion on us as we flail about
in life, struggling and sometimes failing
miserably. Beth Moore Devotionals Daily
The heart of man is by nature cold and dark
and unloving; whenever one manifests a spirit of
mercy and forgiveness, he does it not of himself,
but through the influence of the divine Spirit
moving upon his heart. "We love, because He first
loved us." 1 John 4:19, R.V. God is Himself the
source of all mercy. His name is "merciful and
gracious." Exodus 34:6. The merciful are "partakers
of the divine nature," and in them the
compassionate love of God finds expression. All whose
hearts are in sympathy with the heart of Infinite
Love will seek to reclaim and not to condemn.
Christ dwelling in the soul is a spring that never
runs dry. Where He abides, there will be an
overflowing of beneficence. The merciful are those
who manifest compassion to the poor, the
suffering, and the oppressed. And every word or deed
of unselfish kindness is an expression of the
love of Christ for lost humanity. MB21-24
COMMENTARY PEARL
Recently, a new friend shared my personal
and private information with a third party. When
I found this out, all the warmth and sense of
connection I had been building with her evaporated. I
felt betrayed. I couldn't trust her. I tossed
aside my plans to spend time with her.
Then Jesus prompted me to come to Him. As
I prayed about the situation, I realized she
hadn't meant any harm. She is an open, transparent
woman, who is as chatty as I am. Then Jesus
reminded me of the many times my words have been
indiscreet or hurtful to others. If Jesus has forgiven
me for those transgressions, shouldn't I show
mercy and forgive my new friend for doing the
same?
Thankfully, my friends have shown me
mercy for my gaffes. A desire to show mercy to my
new friend bloomed in my heart. Yes, for the
time being, I may be a bit more cautious about
what I share with her, but I don't want to slam
shut the emotional door between us. Lack of
forgiveness could easily become a habit, and I would
begin to shut out more and more people as they
disappoint me in some way.
I'm so grateful Jesus has poured out His
mercy in my life. With His help, I hope to reflect
that mercy to others. Sharon Hinck
Faith Step: Is there someone you have
shutout of your life? Pray about whether Jesus is
calling you to show mercy. If so, do it abundantly,
remembering how He always shows mercy to you! [Mornings
With Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
A Culture of Mercy
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.
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. [The One Year Heaven On Earth
Devotional by Chris Tiegreen]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Seven Ways to Be Merciful
I challenge you to commit an act of
premeditated mercy in each of these categories this
week.
Wait. Isnt there a tension between
mercy and personal responsibility? Yes, there is.
But I have personally decided that if Im
going to err, Im going to err on the side of
being too gracious, too merciful, and too
forgiving. Id rather go overboard on mercy"just
look at what Jesus did on the cross.
So, how will you be merciful?
Be patient with peoples quirks.
What person in your life has irritating
quirks? How can you practice
patience with that person this week?
Help anyone around you who is
hurting. See who around you is obviously
hurting - and then look for a way
you can help this week. If you cant
find anybody, then youre not
paying attention. Look closer!
Give people a second chance. Who
in your life needs a second chance? How
can you show that person mercy and
compassion this week?
Do good to those who hurt you.
Maybe youre suffering from an old wound
that you have not been able to let
go of. Choose to forgive and then
turn it around for good. Who is that
person in your life? Will you make
a phone call or a visit this week?
Be kind to those who offend you.
Who offends you? Maybe its a
politician or a comedian that you
can pray for. Maybe its a Facebook
friend who has different views and
says some pretty offensive things.
How can you be intentional about
showing kindness to that person this
week?
Build bridges of love to the
unpopular. What person first comes to mind
when you think of an outcast? Who
spends their lunch breaks eating alone
or doesnt seem to have any
friends at soccer games? What specific thing
will you do this week to bridge the
gap between you and that person with
love?
Value relationships over rules. What
unbeliever could you invite over for dinner in the next
few weeks? Will you then step up and invite that
person to church? This is your ministry of mercy.
[Daily Devotional by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Matthew 5:7 - The Blessing of Mercy.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20051019-0957.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
