Mercy

14. April 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” This is our fifth beatitude.  Did you notice how the first four dealt with our inward part concerning our state of emotions, mind, will, intellect, thinking, etc, which are all inner developments. 

Today’s beatitude deals with people.  Before I get into the heart of this beatitude, I want to focus today’s lesson on defining mercy.   Many people get grace and mercy confused or view them as synonymous.    Grace is unmerited favor.  What I mean by unmerited is that you didn’t do anything to deserve it.  You didn’t earn it or work for it.  It was just issued to you without meeting any particular criteria.  It is favor.   

Mercy presupposes guilt.  What I mean by that is when a person needs mercy, they have all ready been declared guilty of some act or crime and they are asking for leniency in the punishment or sentencing.   With all that in mind, you can see that over the next few days, we are going to be dealing with people who have actually wronged us.     

This sometimes is the most difficult one to do.  It is difficult to begin letting go of the hurt and pain of those who “legitimately” have wronged us.  All I want you to do for today is simply to get those people in your mind.  Make a list should you desire of people who you have not forgiven and hurts you have been holding on to from those people.    

YES!!!!!!!  It’s time to deal with it.   I know it’s painful, but it plays a major part in helping us to reach those levels of happiness that Jesus taught. Make it a great day and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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