Blessed Are The Merciful

Matthew 5:7 | Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
 
How wonderful would it be if we all lived by the golden rule Jesus gave us to initiate good regardless of the actions of others? (Matt. 7:12) Instead, we often live by the world's rule to respond in kind. Here in Matthew 5:7, Jesus calls us to bring goodness to others, and He presents the idea of mercy. Mercy is hard because it means withholding punishment when we think someone deserves it. This can feel so wrong - especially when we are the offended party.

Jesus isn't talking about abandoning all consequences for wrongdoing. That would be anarchy and bad parenting. Instead, He's inviting us to check our hearts and to care more about the person than making them pay for their offense. After all, that's what He did for us. In the greatest act of mercy, Jesus forgave our sin and offense and took our punishment for it. In light of that, we can certainly show mercy to others.
 
Prayer: Father, thank You for showing me mercy and for sending Jesus to sacrifice His life for mine. I deserved punishment for my sins, but you show me lovingkindness instead. Help me to check the hard places in my heart that want others to suffer for their wrongdoing. Instead, through Your Spirit, help me to care more about people than punishment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.