Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
7
This is another part of the Beatitudes that puzzles me to some degree. Mercy is certainly a good attribute to possess, and we all need to be shown mercy at times! But having mercy shown back to us? Maybe, maybe not. In our imperfect world, showing mercy to those who have wronged us doesn’t guarantee they will show us mercy in return.
Forgive the person who cuts you off in traffic, and they might not be so kind back if you accidentally cut them off. Mercy may not come back to you in the way in which you extended it. Our world can be so very harsh.
Overall, though, if you are known to be kindhearted and forgiving, others generally do reciprocate with their own acts of graciousness and mercy. Kindness begets kindness, with mercy being its offspring. One truly can’t be kind and not also show mercy.
We show mercy because it’s what Jesus did for us. Mercy helps to heal our anger and desire for revenge! It reigns in retribution and retaliation, enabling our hearts to be free from these negative forces.
Dear Lord, may we show mercy rather than exact retribution. May your spirit of love replace the need to get even. Whether we are shown mercy in return or not, may we still exude your love to all – whether we feel as if they deserve it, or not. … Even when they cut us off in traffic!
Blessings to you this week!
Diana
Recent Comments