By Luke Sills
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 (ESV)
This verse is a challenge, even for believers. As we’ve seen in previous Beatitudes, the standard Jesus sets is higher than human nature often allows. Yet, mercy should mark the heart of every Christian.
What Does It Mean to Be Merciful?
Mercy is more than pity; it’s pity with action. One thoughtful definition states:
“Grace is especially associated with men in their sins; mercy is especially associated with men in their misery.”
While grace looks at sin, mercy focuses on relieving the suffering caused by sin. Being merciful means when someone wrongs us, instead of demanding our rights or holding grudges, we respond with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
The Foundation: We Forgive Because We Have Been Forgiven
Our main idea is simple: If you have been forgiven, then you will forgive.
Many say they believe, yet struggle to extend mercy to others. Why? Because mercy flows from the heart that knows it has been shown mercy first.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of mercy. Before salvation, Scripture tells us we were dead in sin, disobedient, and deserving of wrath. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive through Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). This mercy is a gift—unearned, unmerited. Because we have been shown mercy, we are called to extend it.
Jesus’ Mercy on the Cross
Even in the midst of excruciating suffering, Jesus prayed:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
His mercy was extended to enemies and sinners, setting the perfect example for us.
Our Response: Reflecting God’s Mercy
What does mercy demand of us?
It means forgiving others, even when it’s hard. Matthew 5:7 promises mercy for those who are merciful, but this isn’t a transactional condition for our forgiveness. We are saved by grace—not by our ability to perfectly forgive. Instead, genuine repentance produces a heart that forgives.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones insightfully said:
“I am only truly forgiven when I am truly repentant… if I am truly repentant… then of necessity I shall forgive those who trespass against me.”
Mercy in Action: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Jesus illustrated mercy in Luke 10:25-37, telling of a man beaten and left for dead. Both a priest and a Levite passed by without help, but a despised Samaritan stopped, cared for the man, and provided for his healing.
The Samaritan’s mercy transcended ethnic and religious boundaries. Likewise, mercy for us should not depend on who needs it but on the fact they need it—as we once did.
The Warning: Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven
Matthew 18:21-35 tells of a servant forgiven an enormous debt who then refused mercy to a fellow servant over a small debt. Jesus warns that God’s forgiveness is conditional on our willingness to forgive others from the heart.
The Power of Mercy: Freedom from Burdens
I have heard countless stories of hurt and betrayal. Forgiveness is difficult but liberating. Like Corrie ten Boom, who forgave even a former Nazi guard, mercy is possible even for the deepest wounds—when we ask God for help.
Developing a Merciful Spirit
Where do we begin? Confession, Scripture, and Mercy:
- Confess your need for mercy and a merciful heart (pray for compassion and forgiveness).
- Study Scripture on mercy and forgiveness (e.g., Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:9-13, 23:23, Luke 10:30-37, Matthew 6:14-15).
- Act in mercy—forgive those who have wronged you and reach out to those in need.
Mercy can be as simple as praying for someone hurting, offering kindness, or forgiving sincerely.
Final Reflection
Ask yourself: Have you received mercy? Have you experienced forgiveness through Christ? And, are you living as a merciful person?
Remember, mercy is a gift we’ve been given and a blessing we share. Let us be a people marked by mercy—because we have been shown mercy.