"Blessed are those who are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7.NIV.
HAPPINESS:
The word blessed can be translated happy, it has a sense of happiness being given by God. This scripture does not say we become happy is by getting something, accomplishing something, or marrying someone. Instead, it tells us that we will find happiness by doing something, it is a rare thing too- showing mercy.
Anyone can be merciful. You don't have to be wealthy, wise, educated, or upper-class to be merciful. We can be merciful to the clerk in the store by being polite, merciful to the service person by showing hospitality, and merciful to every person we meet by extending grace and sacrificial compassion.
MERCY IS:
Mercy is an action, but to be merciful is more, it is a habitual demonstration of the attitude of mercy.
Mercy is a choice to be actively compassionate, not just to feel sorry for someone, but to do something to lift their burden that they cannot do themselves.
MERCY DOES FOR US:
Being merciful prepares us to receive God's favor. God wants us to be merciful to others, and he has already prepared blessings for it; it is when we fail to be merciful that we fail to receive the blessing.
Being merciful imitates God. We are made in God's image; part of that image is the ability to dispense mercy, grace, forgiveness, and kindness. By our actions, we fulfill God's image, and that brings happiness.
WHEN WE ARE NOT MERCIFUL:
If we are not merciful, it is vain to expect to receive mercy. Our actions show disregard for mercy as a principle. Since God honors those who honor him, if we don't honor him in mercy, we might not expect to receive mercy.
GOD'S MERCY:
We are not saved by our good works but by the mercy of God. God has shown us mercy by not punishing us for what our sins deserve. In fact, God has made the most merciful salvation available by sending his son to die in our stead so that we may have salvation and righteousness in Jesus.
Only faith saves us, but our mercy toward others will determine our blessings since all God's blessings are truly gifts resulting from his mercy.
To learn more about the plan of salvation, see my other blog and follow this link: click here.
(c)Adron Dozat 7/22/12