Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Merciful is an adjective that implies that this is not just supposed to be a trait that we use as it becomes convenient but that it’s supposed to be a part of who we are. The simple definations for grace and mercy that I always heard growing up were that grace was getting what we don’t deserve, and that mercy is not getting what we do deserve.  Merriam Websters definition of Mercy describes it this way-Compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power. This promise that Jesus gives here that the merciful will receive mercy is not anything new, it’s an echo of what was written in several places in the Old Testament. 2^nd Samuel 22:26 and Psalms 18:25 With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? And if it’s not enough that He’s also given us an incentive for being merciful in Proverbs. Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. Mercy is also a spiritual gift that some are given, and in Romans 12:8 we are shown an important step in the application of the gift. He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. I’ve been given the spiritual gift of mercy and feel that Romans 12:8 is especially important for me to remember in that mercy should be given cheerfully and not begrudgingly.

Application-I will memorize Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 11:17 and Romans 12:8 in order to do as Romans 12:2 says And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. How better to renew or minds than by memorizing what God commands of us? I will also pray that God gives me wisdom on when and how to correctly apply mercy.