Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

                                                               Matthew 5:7 

Today’s declaration is one that demonstrates the reciprocal effect of being Christ-like. We are blessed when we find ourselves being people of mercy, and in turn, we find that same mercy applied to our lives. We live in a world of hatred, discord, division, and jealousy. It is quite common to see relationships fracture and for both parties to hold grudges and harbor feelings of ill will toward one another. This is normal considering the fallen state of mankind, but for the Christian, this type of behavior is to be avoided. Mercy in place of animosity is at the heart of the Christian existence. Consider Jesus’ teaching on the matter: 

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

                                                                                                         Luke 6:27-28 

Notice that Jesus is speaking to those who hear. Not everyone can accept Jesus’ instructions. Even in the church one can make a distinction between those who are intellectually religious from those who sacrificially live for Christ. But for anyone desiring to follow Jesus, these mandates should be taken seriously.

Jesus tells us to love our enemies. We often think of love as just being civil or socially polite. Acting on this definition, being loving would be making sure that we do not verbally assault another person or punch them in the face. But an absence of violence (be it verbal or physical) does not constitute love. To love someone is to have a positive disposition toward them. It is a desire to see them obtain blessings and good things. It is a willingness to act in the person’s life in order to bring these things about. That is why we are to bless (through action) others and to pray for them. And remember towards whom we are to behave in this way. That’s right! Our enemies, those who hate us and curse us, and those who mistreat us are the very people who are to be the recipients of this goodness. No wonder more people aren’t signing on to this selfless lifestyle. The Christian life is not for the faint at heart. All of this can be summed up in the statement:

Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 

                                                               Luke 6:31

This is at the heart of being merciful. Mercy is the withholding of punishment or guilt. It is a decision to extend forgiveness and compassion in place of harm. Consider the following: 

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 Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

                                                                                                       Luke 6:35-36 

As we love our enemies, we are being godly men and women. As we lend to others, expecting nothing in return, we show ourselves to be Christ-like. God is kind to ungrateful people. He is compassionate toward those who will reject Him (Matthew 19:22). He is forgiving to those who would persecute Him (Luke 23:34). He was merciful to us by sending Jesus to be our Savior (Romans 5:8)!

Here is the bottom line: We cannot claim to be godly people without a willingness to demonstrate mercy. We cannot claim to be like Jesus without a deep desire and dedication to releasing forgiveness and compassion into the lives of those who have wronged us. This is what separates those who enjoy spiritual freedom from those who consistently struggle. Just remember:

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

                                                                                                       James 2:13 

That might just be a passage that we all need to post on our refrigerator!