BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL!

Saturday, June 22, 2019

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL!

Matt 5:7

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

           Mercy is that  aspect of God's love that causes Him to help the miserable, just as grace is the aspect of His love that moves Him to forgive the guilty. Mercy may be shown to one of two recipients. Mercy shown to those who break God’s law is conditional because it is not deserved. It is at the discretion of the merciful although not capricious. Mercy springs from a heart that sets aside vengeance. It does not demand an eye for an eye.

           Mercy is due those who are miserable through circumstances beyond their control. The beaten and wounded victim was the recipient of mercy from the Samaritan. He halted his progress and interrupted his journey. He soiled himself by binding up the wounds of a stranger and he donated valuable resources. Strong emotion that does not give to relieve suffering is not beneficial.

           Nelson says: “God's mercy on the miserable extends beyond punishment that is withheld. Withheld punishment keeps us from hell, but it does not get us into heaven. God's mercy is greater than this.

Eph 2:4-6

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Be merciful, O Lord, unto Thy creatures for we have injured ourselves in sinning. Show mercy also to those who have been wounded by sinners. AMEN