After many months of not putting out any content I am going to attempt to get back on track one more time.
If anybody listens to this podcast at all I’ll be surprised. But, nevertheless I will continue to try and do what God has called me to do. Today we are going to move on to our next lesson on the Beatitudes. Today’s topic is mercy.
Matthew 5:7 ESV – 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy
To be merciful means to be actively compassionate. That compassion is extended to those who have offended us and who truly deserve to be punished for the way they have treated us. In another sense mercy should be given to those who are in need and cannot help themselves. So let’s just take a look at what-
Mercy is not
Hateful
Hate is more than skin deep.
Hate goes to the very core of our being. It consumes us and directs us. Hate takes us to a place where mercy can never go. Although we may never verbally express the hatred we have for someone we will always think of that person as being beneath us and not worthy of God’s mercy or ours.
1 John 3:15 ESV – Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him
Mercy does not lash out in anger
Psalm 86:15 ESV – But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
How many times have we jumped down someone’s throat because they offended us.
The next time you feel the urge to lash out at someone, consider the bridge you’re getting ready to burn behind you. Instead of an opportunity to go to battle, seize that opportunity to be used for God’s glory. May others see Christ magnified in your life as you reach out with loving kindness, instead of a 2×4 to someone’s head.
How many times did others offend Jesus? He was spat on, cursed, beaten, mocked, nailed to a cross and suffered total humiliation. Yet he never once during that entire ordeal lashed out at those who sought to end His life.
Christ was truly slow to anger. I’ll leave you with one more verse that drives home the point.
Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV – Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Jealousy
Proverbs 6:34 ESV – For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.
Jealousy has a tendency to rear its ugly head when we see others who have the things in life that we feel we need as well.
We may have been passed over for a promotion. Maybe, someone got the girl that we wanted to have in our life. Perhaps, we have been jealous of a sibling who was always been mom and dad’s favorite. No matter the case, jealousy should have no place in a christ-centered life. God will meet all our needs. We shouldn’t covet anything. To do so, is living outside of God’s will for our life. It’s hard to be merciful to someone whom you are jealous of. That jealousy will always be a stumbling block and will be a hindrance for the Love of Christ to be displayed in your life.
Condescending
It’s easy to think of others as less. When we see the drug addict, the prostitute, the poor and the downtrodden, it’s easy too look down at them. But God would have us do otherwise.
Philippians 2:3 ESV – 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves
Get off your high horse and get down in the trenches with those that are suffering.
Romans 12:16 NKJV – Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
What mercy is
Compassion
Mercy is the love of Christ in action.
When we show compassion to those that have wronged us, we have just taken the first step toward reconciliation with that individual. It’s an opportunity to bury the hatchet and find common ground.
Luke 6:36 ESV – 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Charity
Charity is equated with love.
When the Bible speaks of charity, we can easily put the word love in its place. When we see others on the streets and all they have is the shirt on their back, be ready and willing to give them yours. Show the Christian charity that God has called you to.
Hebrews 13:1-4 ESV – God
Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4
Peace
Peace is the state of tranquility and freedom from conflict.
When we show mercy to someone we can have closure that leads to peace between both parties.
Philippians 4:7 ESV – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Patience
When we show mercy to someone we are choosing to be patient with them.
We are acknowledging that they may need time to learn and grow beyond whatever the offense may have been. Patience doesn’t come easy, and it is only through our relationship with God that we learn patience.
Psalm 37:6-7 NKJV – .
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
So now I’d like to show mercy on all of you, by bringing this podcast to a close .
As always I’d like to thank you for listening and may you have a week full of opportunities to share this good news with those that need to hear it. Let’s just go to the Lord in prayer.
Heavenly Father we thank you that your mercies are new everyday. May we have a heart of compassion for those that are less fortunate. Father if someone has offended us let us be slow to anger and willing to extend the mercy that you have so graciously bestowed upon us. May that peace that surpasses all understanding be a part of who we are in Christ. For it is in His name we pray. Amen.