Be Merciful Always

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don't ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied.

"Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman's son.

What does it mean to be merciful? According to the Bible, being merciful can: involve love (Epheisans 2:4); involve satisfying needs (Isaiah 49:10); involve forgiveness (Daniel 5:9); and involve loving your enemies (Luke 6:35, 36). In short, mercy is the out-flowing of love that seeks to satisfy another's true needs with a willingness to forgive their faults.

Taking these things into consideration, one might ask, "Who are the merciful?" Turning to scripture we find that: the one who provides for the needy is merciful (Psalm 14:31, Daniel 4:27); the one who tends to the sick is merciful (Matthew 9:27-30, Matthew 17:15); the one who pardons the guilty is merciful (Psalm 51:1, Psalm 123:3). One could definitely say that these are they who are truly merciful.

Then "Why is it a blessing to be merciful?" According to the Word: it is an attribute of God (Psalm 86:15, Joel 2:13). Because it is an attribute of God it means it is simply the right thing to do.

Therefore, If we desire to be like God, then we will be merciful. Luke 6:36 says, "Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful."God desires mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).

Also, mercy satisfies the golden rule. Others are aided as we would want to be aided. When we show mercy to others they receive what is needful from us (Luke 10:25-37, Acts 20:35) and we will, in turn, receive mercy by being merciful (Matthew 5:7, James 2:13, James 3:17). God wants us to have mercy, and it is wise for us to do so. We need God's mercy, as well. Therefore, let us draw near and do what we need to do to receive God's mercy.

Scripture verses: Genesis 19:16; 1 Kings 20:31; Psalms 117:2; Psalms 119:76; Isaiah 57:1; Jeremiah 3:12; Exodus 34:6;

Let's pray:

Lord, remember Christ your son who is peace itself and who has washed away our hatred with his blood. Because you love all people, look with mercy on us. Banish the violence and evil within us, and in answer to our prayers restore tranquility and peace. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Lynette