Why Should I Be Merciful

In review of Matthew 5:7 it tells me that “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT).

Today’s verse if part of the beatitudes taught by Jesus on the sermon on the mount.  Matthew 5:7 in particular tells me that blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God's way of living contradicts the world's. To live for God means being ready to say and do what seems strange to the world. I must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. By giving up my own rights in order to serve, I'll one day receive everything God has in store for me. Verses from the beatitudes tell me how to be blessed by God. Being blessed means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or desirable state of those who are in God's Kingdom. Being blessed by God means the experience of hope and joy, independent of any outward circumstances. In the Kingdom of Heaven, wealth and power and authority are unimportant. So I need to consider if I’m a carbon copy of the world's selfishness, pride, and lust for power, or am I reflecting the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT). In other words, what I give, I’m going to get. I’ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy if I want God’s blessing on my life.

But why does God expect me to show mercy to others? Why should I be merciful? 

First, because God has shown me mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT). God wants me to pass on the mercy that I’ve received from him.

Secondly, because God commands me to be merciful. A summary of what life is all about is found in Micah 6:8, “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (GW).

Thirdly because I’m going to need more mercy in the future. Between now and when I get to heaven, I’m going to make a lot of mistakes—and I’ll need God’s mercy when I do! But I cannot receive what I’m unwilling to give. James 2:13 reminds me, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).

Lastly, because showing mercy brings or leads to happiness. Matthew 5:7 says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy,” so the more I learn and demonstrate this quality, the more blessed and happier I’m going to be.

In summary, blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. I must be willing to give, love and help when others won't. By giving up my own rights in order to serve, I'll one day receive everything God has in store for me. Also, what I give, I'm going to get. God expects me to show mercy because: 1). He has shown mercy to me and he wants me to pass this on what I've received from him.  2). He commands me to. 3). I'm going to need more mercy in the future. I cannot receive what I am unwilling to give. 4). Showing mercy bring or leads me to happiness. 

Today’s verse reminds me that one of the core functions of my job and my team is to serve and help others. My job is a great way for me to show God’s love and mercy through what I do. I pray this morning that you help me see things through your eyes of mercy. Help me to respond and server in a merciful way instead of complaining and seeing it as a burden or task. I pray also for your wisdom and guidance in my work, my leadership and my response to others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus name, amen.