Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV).
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Today we focus on Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”. God has shown mercy to us, we are called to do the same for each other. A definition of this trait is “not getting what we deserve” for our disobedience. This doesn’t mean we aren’t responsible for our actions but that God has compassion on us and doesn’t exact the appropriate punishment.
Forgiveness is part of this process. Jesus came as the ultimate testimony that God forgives our sin when we turn to Him in repentance. Just as He shows mercy in His judgment, we must be merciful to those who have wronged us. Hanging on to a hurt we have received only causes more pain; we can be healed by forgiving as much as by being forgiven.
God wants us to come to Him for mercy when we have fallen short of His goal for us. He wants us to mend relationships with each other by offering mercy to those who have caused harm. When we are united with God and in fellowship with the body of Christ here, being merciful can help heal the world.
Loving Lord, we have known Your mercy in many ways. Help us to show the same mercy in our world that all may come to You and be saved. Amen.
