Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:7 (ESV).
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Mercy is a term we don’t hear or use much anymore. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” Without God’s mercy given to us, we would be lost.
Our sin separates us from God. He could give us what we deserve and it would be justified, but instead He offers us mercy we don’t deserve. I remember a sculpture in a church when I was young that showed the world with a giant clenched fist labeled “Justice” being held back by an equally giant hand labeled “Mercy”.
Jesus says in order to follow Him and share in the Kingdom, we must be merciful as well. Do we have a chance to be generous instead of demanding payment or punishment? We must consider the treatment we would wish for if the situation were reversed. We are called to share the mercy God first gave us.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry that we have behaved badly and deserve Your justice. Forgive us and in Your mercy send us to tell the Good News to the world. Amen.
