"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7 (CSB)
We find this concept in a couple of Old Testament
teachings. Let’s just briefly consider two of them.
1. Psalm 41:1 (CSB) - “Happy is one who is
considerate of the poor; the Lord will save
him in a day of adversity.” The Hebrew word “dal” translated as poor –
means helpless or powerless. The world expects us to be strong without any
feelings for others. God encourages those who seek to help the
helpless.
2. Lamentations 3: 22 – 23 (CSB) – “Because of the
Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His
mercies never end. 23 They are new
every morning; great is your faithfulness!”
The mercy and unfailing love of the LORD
never ends! His mercies begin afresh each day. His mercy is brand spanking new
every morning! Every day we are given a second chance and a fresh start at
life! “Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever. (Ps
136:26 NKJV)
As
God gives you a fresh start each new day, so should you reach beyond the pain
and give to those who have hurt you a fresh start through your forgiveness.
Mercy is forgiveness soaked in the love of God. Every day,
when you forgive, the anger, bitterness, resentment, and pain that you feel from
the wrong suffered at the hands of another is weakened.
So, as the Old Testament teaches, and as Christ teaches – we
who are a part of the Kingdom must be merciful.
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