“Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”
Matthew 5:7
For anyone to truly comprehend the demand of dealing mercifully with men, they must first understand mercy from God’s perspective. What does it mean to be merciful? It means to have compassion or forgiveness when it is within your right to do otherwise. Mercy is the opposite of Judgment, and without mercy, we will always get what we deserve. God’s mercy is a provision for MANKIND, not angels, spirits, or other creations. In other words, mercy deals with the humanity of man. David provides more insight in Psalm 103:8-14 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and PLENTEOUS IN MERCY.” Why? Verse 14 says “For HE KNOWETH OUR FRAME; he remembereth that we are dust.” Another translation says “He knows our weakness”. God’s mercy deals with us based on our potential and not our current human weaknesses. Seeing we are to be just as the father in character, what can we learn from this in our dealings with man?
Forgiveness is a vital attribute of the God-life. If God is merciful towards us then He expects us to do likewise to all men especially to those of the house of God,Galatians 6:10. In your interaction with men and most especially your brethren you will be offended sometimes not because of the God in them but their humanity since they are a work in progress. A heart that is disposed to choosing forgiveness is a heart of true spiritual understanding. It is a choice endorsed by the Holy Spirit. The question of “why should I forgive?” Was answered on the cross when the Lord in his suffering said “Father, Forgive them, for they know not what they do”. He saw beyond our humanity. It may not always be easy but it will always be a choice. You can decide to say no to keeping a grudge simply because you are empowered the Spirit of love, 2 Timothy 1:7. You can decide to deal with men not on the basis of their transgressions, faults or weaknesses but rather on their potential. The same goes goes for every relationship in your life. This was how the Lord while in the flesh dealt with his disciples and other men. Again, WITHOUT MERCY YOU WILL ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. If you have enjoyed undeserved provisions from God then make sure no one gets what they deserve in judgement when dealing with you.
The lord expects us to deal merciful with men in love, compassion and forgiveness because He did the same to us. He expects us to deal mercifully with your brethen, your spouse, your friends and associates. Choose to develop a reservoir of forgiveness in your heart. Choose never to be bitter but labour in love. Choose not to give people bad tags based their errors or mistakes. Never repay evil with evil. It a glorious virtue when we choose to pass over transgression, Proverbs 19:11. This does not mean you don’t correct people. We are to correct and chastise ourselves duly even as God does to us, but our hearts must be empty of evil in dealing with men. It is not always the easiest thing to do but a mindset that is conscious of God’s own mercy coupled with a prayerfully intentional practice allows the love already shed in your heart to find expression.
Finally the lord said those who are merciful in dealing with men will always have mercy operation for themselves(Matthew 5:7). And guess what, as long as you have humanity to deal with you will always need mercy from both God and men. Make a life long choice to choose mercy over judgement. Luke 6:36-38 says
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. [37] “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. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
Prayer for today: Father I acknowledge that I have received and continue to receive of your mercy. I ask for enablement to do likewise to my my brethen and all men likewise. Help me to be of a forgiving heart in all my relationships. Create in me deep reservoirs and bowels of compassion and mercy. Amen
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