Sunday, July 21, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Day 6: The Beatitudes "Blessed are the Merciful"

Mercy is Action

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Due to our busy lives, it can often seem very difficult to find the time to address the needs of all of the hurting individuals that we encounter. The desire is truly there, but have you ever felt like there is not another minute in the day to give of yourself EVEN to those who could truly benefit from your assistance?

Can you relate to this dilemma that I too have sadly experienced? Although it is challenging to fit another thing in our demanding schedules, God highly encourages and commands us to do so.

He includes the following in James 2:14-16 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

As I read those words, I was reminded of a couple of examples of Jesus' advice concerning the reciprocity of our actions.

** Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you.... For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

**2 Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."

Jesus is telling us that what we do for others will in turn be done for us. It was in His nature to show mercy to others. Since I know that I not only desire BUT need all of the mercy that God has to offer to me, I realize the importance of emulating this very important character trait.

I once read a statement that has much relevance to today's message --- "MERCY IS PITY PLUS ACTION." As Christians, we should not only FEEL pity for the circumstances of others but should also ACT upon this pity. Our desire should be to serve as God's funnel of MERCY in their lives!

My challenge to you today is to strive to have the same compassion WITH action that Jesus demonstrated for the suffering - for those who were sick - for those who just needed a kind word. Always remember that those who SHOW mercy will be SHOWN mercy.

Dear Lord, Help me to respond to others with the same mercy that You have so generously blessed me with in my own life. Your mercy is truly a blessing in my life.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.