Mercy – a quality that aligns you with the heart of God.
The Be-attitudes reveal the qualities of the heart that please God. But, at the same time, they also provide a window into the heart of God. They show His tenderness towards humble people. His care towards those who are hurting. His desire for the meek to win. His ability to satisfy the human need for righteousness. They also highlight His celebration of mercy, His delight in purity and His desire for peace between all. Those who understand this about the Be-attitudes soon discover they are not only crucial in coming to God but also in being united with Him in His character and being. These Be-attitudes are the means of approaching God and tuning your heart to beat in rhythm with His. Once attuned to Him and aware of His presence, power and holiness, your perspective in life shifts. You no longer see your life through the limited lens of pride, selfishness and fleshly desires but through a heavenly lens. Fittingly, you then begin to obey God, not for the sake of appearances but because your identity and character are intertwined with His.
Since mercy is a characteristic of God, it makes sense that if you wish to know Him and enjoy His mercy that you also exhibit it towards others. But what is mercy? Mercy is compassion and loving care towards all people, even those who least deserve it. It is the ability to empathise with others, to see their needs and extend kind acts of service.
This quality of mercy moved the Samaritan in Jesus’ parable in Luke 10:25-37 to demonstrate benevolence towards an injured man even though he was a foreigner and may not have received similar treatment if the circumstances were reversed. Mercy is also what exuded from Jesus as he touched lepers, healed the lame, blessed children, valued women and hung from a cross. Mercy is when you, as a Christian, contact another because they are sick or lonely. Or when you provide care to the hurting. Or when you or your church provide for the needy. Or when you befriend the marginalised. It is especially seen when you offer forgiveness towards those who injure you and refuse to retaliate in kind to the evil of others. And it is seen when you present the gospel message to the lost.
When you fail to show mercy, you prove to all that you do not appreciate God’s efforts to offer you mercy or that you know Him at all. However, your understanding of God is evident when you extend mercy to others. You also open yourself to enjoying His continued mercy through the blood of Jesus into eternity.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” Matthew 5:7.
