Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7

The simplicity in Matthew 5:7 often masked the depth and boldness of this verse. As David Fleer challenged me at Otter Creek this past Sunday with this text I resonated with his message that mercy does not come naturally, we have to learn it. I can think back to many times in my life where I have acted out of self preservation rather than mercy.

Usually people are not cruel simply because they enjoy watching those they are oppressing squirm; rather cruel treatment seems to stem from an inner narcissism that is oblivious to the other person’s point of view. Mercy steps in and not only stops cruelty but entering into the situation by empathizing with the one who is need of mercy. Whenever mercy is given the giver of mercy chooses to accept less than what the world around them says they have coming to them. The mercy giver, having been wronged willingly chooses to not get even in order to stop the escalation of the conflict. Matthew 5:7 Blesses are the merciful for they will receive mercy, is a counter point to the “an eye for an eye” principle.

One of the most challenging parts of Fleer’s sermon to me was the idea that sometimes oppressive policies need to be overturned in order to allow mercy to reign. What does Jesus say about political policies that are intended to show mercy to those that need it? We need to challenge ourselves to think like Jesus in all areas, especially outside the church doors. Christian disciples have the obligation cry out for the world where his heart would cry out. Christians have to continually sit at the feet of Jesus and learn what it means to live a life of mercy. How often do I even have opportunity to show mercy? In order to show mercy I must allow myself to be put in a position where I may be apt to retaliate.

We should continue to grow us in the way we show mercy to others. Personally, I know that I am in need of God’s mercy to wash away my sins, for if God wanted retaliation against me for my sins there would be no way for me to repay the debt I owed. I am thankful there is no “eye for an eye” bargain between God and me. I stand eternally grateful for having received God’s mercy thru Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have obligation to not hoard the mercy that has been given to us so freely, but since we have so greatly receive, so must we so greatly give. God help us learn mercy.

http://ottercreek.podomatic.com/entry/index/2011-02-06T21_57_32-08_00