Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
– Matthew 5:7
Grace and mercy are two concepts that are central to the Christian faith. At times the two words are offered without much distinction. In reality, they represent two different yet complimentary ideas. In my opinion, one of the best and simplest ways of holding these ideas together is to say that grace is getting what we don’t deserve, and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. I have no doubt that Jesus would consider both gracious and merciful people to be blessed. In these beatitudes, it is the merciful who receive attention.
Every person has been mistreated and offended at one time or another. Regardless of the severity, it always hurts. No one will make it through life without being the subject of another person’s harmful actions. When it happens, the important question will be regarding the nature of our reaction. Circumstances may help us determine the specifics of how we respond, but it is the inclination of our hearts that will determine the direction we take.
The Bible, whether directly or by inference, tells us much about the concept of mercy. For example, mercifulness is a key attribute of the Heavenly Father. He is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness” (see Psalm 86:15; 145:8). The writer of Lamentations connects “mercies” to the love and faithfulness of God (see Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus would teach his followers to be like the Father by being merciful (Luke 6:36). In fact, Jesus would offer one of his most eye-opening parables by describing the severe reaction of a king who, having forgiven a man’s incomprehensible debt to the king, discovered that the man in turn would not forgive another who was indebted to him (see Matthew 18:23-35). He even makes the point clear, with the king saying to the man, “Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:33).
Mercifulness: the disposition of the heart that inclines a person to be forgiving rather than begrudging, willing to let love cover a multitude of sins. That’s my definition for today. It may not match any official definition, but I think it works. It is the disposition that Jesus wants to see growing in us. Those who are disposed to mercifulness will be blessed. Why? Because they will receive the same from the Lord. How good is that?
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 