Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” - Matthew 5:7

The greatest weakness of man is his inability to show mercy. This is quite so because not many understand clearly what it means to show mercy. Just like Moses, Jesus also went up the mountain to receive inspiration regarding the affairs men. While on the mountain, Jesus declared the laws like Moses did; Jesus says among other things, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7) When you go back to read the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:1 – 37), you will understand that mercy is showing compassion, pity, and favor. Therefore, mercy is an act that must be lived and exhibited to save life and to reduce suffering. Jesus showed compassion on the woman accused of adultery, and thus prevented the woman from being stoned to death. However, mercy does not mean that sin is ignored. It simply means the mercy of God in refusing to bring judgment on those deserving of judgment. Note also that mercy is different from forgiveness. This is because the mercy of God is the reason He forgave us while we were yet sinners. The scripture says; “…he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:5–6). Therefore, mercy is a vital spirit of life which makes forgiveness possible. How often do you show mercy?

I heard some people say they cannot overlook justice by showing mercy. But God forgave us when we were yet sinners and deserving to die. The word of God is telling us today to show mercy so we can in turn receive mercy. Only those who show mercy will receive mercy in return. Jesus declared, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). This means that the mercy of God should be renewed in our minds and hearts every day! Do you still feel hurt and vulnerable due to the deliberate criminal or deliberate acts of others? Well, you need not feel this way! If you quantify the wrong done to you, and then feel the urge to revenge, or to withdraw forgiveness, then you are far from being merciful. This is the time to change. One of the reasons we face difficulties in life, and no one to help us in good time, is because our spiritual bank balances do not reflect MERCY on the credit side, rather, we are highly debited of this vital spirit of life! The much mercy we give, is the much we will receive! Mind you, it is not likely that anyone will ever earn your mercy! Nevertheless, you must give it just like God did for you when you deserved to die; he paid all your debts, forgave you and kept you alive. Today is a new beginning; open your heart of mercy to embrace others. Remember, just like grace is no longer grace if it is earned, mercy is no longer mercy if it is deserved. Mercy is compassion that is undeserved. We are not to show mercy to whom we think deserve our mercy. We are to be like the character of God, extending mercy to all everyday. Show mercy when people sin against you, just like God does for us everyday. The merciful expend themselves to assist others. Then they receive mercy in return.