Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
--Parallel verses:
James 2:12-13
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Mercy is not receiving what you justly deserve. It is a pardon. It is overlooking a wrong done. It comes from a heart of compassion.
The proud are not merciful because they cannot admit that they are wrong or humble themselves to confess their sins. They refuse to acknowledge the gift of mercy. So they have little mercy to give to others.
When we show mercy, we do it in honor of the One who has been so merciful to us — God. He loved us so much that he devised a way for us to be able to be declared righteous, in spite of our sins. Jesus was that Way. He is also The Truth, The Life, and The Light.
Who can I be merciful to today, and in doing so show them the love of Jesus Christ?
Lord, help me to have a heart of mercy for others. Instead of thinking about what I’m owed, or what they deserve, help me to think about their souls first. This is how you saw others. Teach me to be more merciful.
