“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
What is mercy? Recall the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). A man is attacked, robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A traveler comes along, sees the man in need, but passes on the other side. Later, another traveler comes along, sees the need, and passes by, as well.
Then “a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion” (Luke 10:33). However, the story doesn’t end there, for the Samaritan does more: “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine” (Luke 10:34). At the end of the story, Jesus asks, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” The answer: “The one who showed him mercy” (Luke 10:36-37).
In this parable, Jesus teaches that mercy has two parts. First, there is a tenderness of heart: “When he saw him, he had compassion.” Second, there is action: “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” So, putting these parts together, mercy is a tender heart that cares and acts for the good of others.
This is what redeemed people need to know most about God. He has a tender heart that cares and acts for your good. “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Exod. 34:6).
It is because of God’s mercy we are saved. “He saved us…according to His own mercy” (Titus 3:5). It is because of God’s mercy we can come to Him. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). And, it is because of God’s mercy we have a calling. “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8, NIV).
Are you stronger on one side of mercy than the other? Which one?
