Blessed are the merciful

Both the Father and Christ are full of mercy (Ephesians 2: 4-5). And God wants us to grow in this important characteristic as well. God said: "For I want mercy, and not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6: 6).

It is one of the traits that God specifically expects of those who are committed to following Him (Micah 6: 8). Jesus tells us: "Be merciful, then, as your Father is also merciful." (Luke 6:36). He also called mercy one of the "most important things in the law" (Matthew 23:23).

Since God places so much emphasis on mercy, it is important that we understand what it is. Mercy includes being kind and compassionate to someone who offended you when it is in your power to do otherwise.

But, according to William Barclay in his Daily Study Bible, the concept behind this Bliss goes further. It refers to a conscious effort to see events through the eyes of another individual - to feel what he or she is feeling. 

The merciful do their best to put aside their own feelings and think about how someone else feels and experiences things. Mercy is not just about forgiving people, it is also about identifying with them and, as much as possible, understanding their experiences.

The best example of mercy is Jesus Christ, who leading a life as a human being was able to fully understand his creation (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus, our High Priest, lived as one of us and can fully understand what it is to lose a family member, to be cold, to be hungry, to suffer discomfort and pain, and to deal with frustrated and wicked people.

Jesus Christ, because of his experiences, can show mercy like no other person could.

Because they will achieve mercy

Mercy often produces immediate positive results as it improves our relationships and prevents us from feeding bitterness and other harmful emotions (Proverbs 11:17). And beyond that, Jesus Christ also promised that the merciful will "find mercy."

An important principle behind this Bliss is the principle of sowing and reaping. The Bible teaches: “Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked: for whatever man sows, he will also reap ”(Galatians 6: 7). Our actions today will have consequences for the future and will affect our lives and the lives of those around us.

God chooses to extend his mercy to those who are merciful (Psalm 18:25). As Almighty God, He has the right to decide to whom He extends His compassion (Exodus 33:19).

In the parable of the servant who did not want to forgive (Matthew 18: 23-35), Jesus shows why God only extends his mercy to those who are merciful.

God, like the teacher in the parable, forgives us a great debt: the death penalty for our sins against Him, which required the death of his Son (Psalm 51: 4; 1 Corinthians 15: 3). If we compare what God has forgiven us, the offenses of our fellow men have no greater significance. Refusing to forgive others for these minor offenses (by comparison) shows a lack of appreciation for his mercy.

Mercy also shows our love for God and neighbor. Let's see what the apostle John wrote: “If anyone says: I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And we have this commandment from him: He who loves God, love his brother also ”(1 John 4: 20-21).

The way of man

People rarely want to show mercy, preferring revenge as they see fit. However, if retribution is necessary, we must leave it in the hands of God, who shows mercy and justice fully. “'Do not avenge yourselves, beloved ones, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord ”(Romans 12:19).

Some have the motto "It is a world where if you don't eat they eat you", and apparently there is no room for compassion or mercy. The strong take what they want from the weak, with no apology, exceptions, or rewards. By nature, people focus on what they want and need, excluding others.

Being merciful involves taking others into account so that we can understand their circumstances and feelings and see how we can best help them.

But the merciful are very attentive to the needs of others. Being merciful involves taking others into account so that we can understand their circumstances and feelings and see how we can best help them.

How is mercy

An important component of mercy is forgiveness. Christ's teaching was that we should always forgive, even when we think we have reached our limit (Matthew 18: 21-22).

Forgiving and being merciful does not mean that we have to allow everyone to pass us by all the time. That would not be good for them, nor for the people with whom they interact, or for us.

Even God, however great his mercy, does not allow humanity to sin forever. He intervenes for our own good, and his righteous anger stops sin and leads some to suddenness.

Fortunately, however, He is patient and "He will not contend forever, Nor will He keep anger forever" (Psalm 103: 9).

Another key component of mercy is action. The merciful do not sit and speak when someone is in need. Nor do they remain on the sidelines by offering only advice to the oppressed. Instead, the merciful take the initiative and constantly help others.

One of the best examples of mercy is that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37 ) . We are merciful to others and try to do what is best for them, so we approach the next Bliss: "Blessed are the pure in heart" (Matthew 5: 8).