Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

                                                               Matthew 5:7 

We have already mentioned that this declaration from Jesus demonstrates a major biblical principle, namely that God’s response to us largely depends on our response to others. This is the reciprocal effect of being Christ-like. As we show mercy to others, we will receive mercy as well. Conversely, judgment will be merciless for the one who has not shown mercy (James 2:13).

These are not the only places in scripture in which this reciprocal effect is demonstrated. Consider the words of Jesus: 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you.

                                                                                                Luke 6:37-38

Jesus covers four aspects to the Christian life in this discourse. First, we are to release, from our lives, judgmental attitudes. The world seems to have just enough biblical knowledge to “cherry pick” this passage in an attempt to make identifying and addressing sin the great injustice of the church. That of course is misguided. But in spite of these attempts, the church is to be free from judgmental attitudes. Addressing sin, yes…judging our fellow man, no.

Secondly, we are not in a position to condemn. Jesus tells us, “Do not condemn and we will not be condemned.” Once again we can see the reciprocal principle at work. When we condemn others, we are effectively withholding mercy and therefore placing ourselves in a spiritually precarious position. We should desire to see people recognize and receive the love and mercy of God, but when we condemn (even if just with our words), we trample over God’s mercy and distort the gospel.

Thirdly, we are to freely pardon. To pardon is to release someone from the penalty due his/her actions. Pardoning is imperative for us to be spiritually free. Anyone who asks God for pardon will receive it. When we refuse that same pardon, we effectively entrap ourselves. Perhaps this is why we see such spiritual bondage and lack of joy on the part of so many believers.

Finally, Jesus instructs us that we are to give. As we give it will be given to us in the same way. Giving of our time, our money, our talents, and our love should be a lifestyle for Christ followers. We are to give everything we have in service to God and to others. Jesus promises us that whoever has sacrificially given this way for the kingdom will be compensated (Matthew 19:29).

But before we conclude, let us consider what Jesus said about the reciprocal principle behind forgiveness:

For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

                                                                                                   Matthew 6:14-15 

Whether it is being merciful, avoiding judgment, pardoning rather than condemning, or releasing forgiveness into the life of another, we are instructed to do whatever is necessary to plant seeds of goodness into the lives of others. As we do, we will see the reciprocal principle of God’s plan become reality in our lives. 

These instructions are not related to the issue of salvation; that determination was settled at the cross. However, these commands are for the believer and are to be used as a testimony to the goodness of God. When we read Jesus’ admonishment of “Do not judge” yet emerge with a judgmental attitude, we have become dull in our hearing and understanding. We are to be a merciful people refusing our own “right to judge” and exchanging it for kindness and understanding.

Happy are the merciful, for they will receive mercy!