The Incredible and Never-Ending Power of Mercy

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

The mercifulness of our text is the product of the new nature implanted by the Holy Spirit in the child of God. It is called into exercise when we contemplate the wondrous grace, pity, and longsuffering of God toward such unworthy wretches as ourselves. The more I ponder God’s sovereign mercy to me, the more I shall think of the unquenchable fire from which I have been delivered through the sufferings of the Lord Jesus. The more conscious I am of my indebtedness to Divine grace, the more mercifully I shall act toward those who wrong, injure, and hate me.

Mercifulness is one of the attributes of the spiritual nature that one receives at the new birth. Mercifulness in the child of God is but a reflection of the abundant mercy that is found in his heavenly Parent. Mercifulness is one of the natural and necessary consequences of a merciful Christ indwelling us.

It may not always be exercised; it may at times be stifled or checked by fleshly indulgence. But when the general tenor of a Christian’s character and the main trend of his life are taken into account, it is clear that mercifulness is an unmistakable trait of the new man. “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth” (Psalm 37:21).

It was mercy in Abraham, after he had been wronged by his nephew, that caused him to pursue and secure the deliverance of Lot (Genesis 14:1-16). It was mercy on the part of Joseph, after his brethren had so grievously mistreated him, that caused him to freely forgive them (Genesis 50:15-21). It was mercy in Moses, after Miriam had rebelled against him and the Lord had smitten her with leprosy, that caused him to cry, “Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee” (Numbers 12:13).

It was mercy that caused David to spare the life of his enemy Saul when that wicked king was in his hands (1 Samuel 24:1-22; 26:1-25). In sad and striking contrast, of Judas it is said that he “remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man” (Psalm 109:16).

In Romans 12:8 the Apostle Paul gives vital instruction concerning the spirit in which mercy is to be exercised: “he that showeth mercy” is to do so “with cheerfulness. ” The direct reference here is to the giving of money for the support of poor brethren, but this loving principle really applies to all compassion shown to the afflicted.

Mercy is to be exercised cheerfully, to demonstrate that it is not only done voluntarily but that it is also a pleasure. This spares the feelings of the one helped, and soothes the sorrows of the sufferer. It is this quality of cheerfulness that gives most value to the service rendered. The Greek word is most expressive, denoting joyful eagerness, a gladsome affability that makes the visitor like a sunbeam, warming the heart of the afflicted. Since Scripture tells us that “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), we may be sure that the Lord takes note of the spirit in which we respond to His admonitions. “For they shall obtain mercy.” These words enunciate a principle or law that God has ordained in His government over our lives here on earth. It is summarized in that well-known word: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

The Christian who is merciful in his dealings with others will receive merciful treatment at the hands of his fellows; for “with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:2).

Therefore it is written, “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).

The one who shows mercy to others gains personally thereby: “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul” (Proverbs 11:17a).

There is an inward satisfaction in the exercise of benevolence and pity to which the highest gratification of the selfish man is not to be compared. “He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he” (Proverbs 14:21b).

The exercise of mercy is a source of satisfaction to God Himself: “He delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18).

So must it be to us. “For they shall obtain mercy.” Not only does the merciful Christian gain by the happiness that accrues to his own soul through the exercise of this grace, not only will the Lord, in His overruling providence, make his mercifulness return again to him at the hands of his fellow men, but the Christian will also obtain mercy from God. This truth David declared: “With the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful” (Psalm 18:25).

On the other hand, the Savior admonished His disciples with these words: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). “For they shall obtain mercy.” Like the promises attached to the previous Beatitudes, this one also looks forward to the future for its final fulfillment.

In 2 Timothy 1:16,18, we find the Apostle Paul writing, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus… The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day. ” In Jude 21, the saints are also exhorted to be “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ”—this refers to the ultimate acknowledgement of us as His own redeemed people at His second coming in glory.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com