The phrase “blessed are the merciful” comes from Matthew 5:7 in the Bible, where Jesus delivers the well-known Sermon on the Mount and lists out the Beatitudes. In this verse, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This profound statement packs great meaning and significance for Christians today. Let’s explore what Jesus meant when he called the merciful “blessed” and why showing mercy matters so much in the Christian faith.
Definitions of “Blessed” and “Merciful”
First, it helps to define the key terms in this verse. What does it mean to be “blessed”? In the biblical sense, blessed refers to being approved by God and receiving His favor. It speaks of an inner joy, contentment, and spiritual wellbeing that comes from living in right relationship with God. The merciful experience God’s blessing and acceptance.
To show mercy means to have compassion, kindness, and forgiveness toward others, especially those who are suffering or in need. A merciful person looks past faults and flaws to offer generosity and grace. Rather than judgment and condemnation for wrongdoing, the merciful demonstrate pity, empathy, and gentle correction.
Why the Merciful Receive Mercy Themselves
Jesus connects the concepts of showing mercy and receiving mercy. This highlights a key spiritual principle in God’s kingdom – you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-9). Showing unfailing compassion reflects the very heart of God. Those who live mercifully experience God’s endless mercy in their own lives. As James 2:13 explains, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
As God has been merciful toward us, He calls us to pass on that precious gift to others. When we offer undeserved kindness and forgiveness, we act like Christ Himself. Just as Jesus forgave and welcomed sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes, so we are to graciously love those who sin against us (Matthew 18:21-35).
The merciful give what they want to receive. As we avoid bitterness and resentment, showing compassion to the hurting and extending forgiveness to enemies, God promises to pour out His limitless mercy on us. What a beautiful, freeing way to live!
How the Merciful Reflect God’s Character
The fact that Jesus calls the merciful “blessed” shows how highly God values a compassionate, forgiving heart. When we demonstrate mercy, we reflect the very character of God in a dark, broken world. Just take a look at how Scripture describes our merciful Lord:
– “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:7-8)
– “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12)
– “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.” (Micah 7:18)
– “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)
– “The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6)
– “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36)
– “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
As these verses demonstrate, mercy is central to God’s character. He is ready to forgive, slow to get angry, and abounds in unfailing love. When we live mercifully toward others, we reveal the beauty of God’s heart to a hurting world. What an honor to reflect His compassion and grace!
How to Grow in Mercy
Since God so values and demonstrates mercy, how can we become more merciful people? Here are some biblical ways to extend compassion and practice forgiveness:
1. Pray for a soft, merciful heart. We cannot manufacture mercy in our own strength. Ask God to give you a heart of compassion toward those who wrong you (Psalm 51:1). Request His supernatural ability to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22) and to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
2. Meditate on God’s mercy toward you. Remember that Christ died for you even when you were His enemy. Reflect on the mercy He has shown you – pardoning your sins, welcoming you into His family, giving you new life. When you consider His vast, undeserved grace toward you, it becomes easier to show mercy to others (Matthew 18:23-35). As 1 Peter 3:8 says, “keep loving one another earnestly…since love covers a multitude of sins.”
3. View those who wrong you the way God does. With spiritual eyes, see past the sinful behavior to the brokenness and wounds beneath. As Jesus looked with compassion on the crowds “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36), seek to view the lost condition of those who hurt you. Pray for God to change their hearts.
4. Act in practical ways to meet needs. Look for opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of service. Is there a struggling single mother on your street you could help with her yardwork? A elderly neighbor who needs groceries delivered? A struggling friend you could encourage with a card or meal? Actively loving others softens hearts toward mercy.
5. Repay wrongs with right. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). When someone hurts you, replace revenge and resentment with tangible good. Let the love of Christ shine through your actions.
6. Be patient with flaws in others. Recognize that we are all imperfect works in progress. “Love is patient and kind…it is not irritable or resentful” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). As you want God to patiently bear with you, extend that same compassion to others.
7. Speak gently and void of judgment. Harsh, condemning words stir up anger and conflict. But speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) sincerely wishing the best for others, promotes mercy and forgiveness. Season speech with grace.
8. Forgive as you want to be forgiven. Let go of grudges and make a decision to pardon those who have wronged you, just as God in Christ has forgiven all your sins and trespasses (Colossians 3:12-13). Free yourself from bitterness.
Walking in mercy is not easy or natural for us. We need God’s supernatural grace and the Holy Spirit’s help. But when you feel victory over anger and hurt, and can sincerely wish others well, you’ll experience the profound joy and blessing Jesus speaks of. As you sow mercy, you’ll reap mercy. May God’s heart of compassion grow in us all!