Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 WEB
In verse seven of chapter five of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus continues to reveal who is truly blessed by God. Collectively called the Beatitudes, this list of blessed individuals is in striking contrast to who worldly people call blessed. Specifically, in verse seven, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” With these words, Jesus teaches that God’s mercy comes to those who extend mercy to others.
Mercy is related to forgiveness. By the grace of God, we receive mercy from our heavenly Father when we repent from sin and put our faith in Jesus Christ. God’s forgiveness of our sins through the substitutional sacrifice Jesus endured on the cross demonstrates our heavenly Father’s righteousness and mercy.
Give and Receive Mercy
As we receive God’s mercy, the Lord requires that we extend that same mercy to others. In Chapter eighteen of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus taught a parable about forgiveness and mercy. In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Christ tells of a servant who received forgiveness of a very large debt owed to his master. Subsequently, the man refused to show the same mercy to a fellow servant who owed him far less money.
When the master heard that the servant he forgave refused to extend the same forgiveness to others, he called for the unmerciful servant. Angry with the man, the master handed the servant over to the jailers and reinstituted the debt he owed. Jesus warns at the conclusion of the parable in Matthew 18:35, “So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds. WEB” Blessed are the merciful but judgment comes to the unmerciful.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Give me a heart that reflects your love and kindness. Help me to show others the mercy you show me. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Repent
