Being Merciful – Biblical key to Christian living
7 Biblical Keys for Christian Living
Being merciful is a Biblical key to Christian living. We all need mercy and thankfully God is rich in mercy toward us. (Ephesians 2:4) BUT – as Christians we are called to BE MERCIFUL with one another. In Matthew 5:7 Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” In order to receiver mercy we need to be merciful. Being merciful is part of living the Christian life. Being merciful to our family and friends is one thing, but as Christians were called to be merciful even toward our enemies.
Being Merciful to our Enemies
IF people treat us badly, if they are mean, rude, or unkind how should we respond? The worlds response is to get back at them, to get even, to tell them off or give them a piece of their mind. As Christians our response should be different. The kingdom of God works totally counter to that of the world. Here’s how Jesus instructs us to live as Christians in this world when confronted by our enemies –
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:29-31,35-36)
Okay, I know that sounds crazy! What in the “world” is Jesus thinking? Why would we do that? Because following Christ is going to be counter to the logic of the world. So, that means you’re going to bless and pray for your enemies. You’re not going to shout back at them. You’re not going to demean them, criticize them, or punch them out. (you may feel like doing that, but not) So, how can we do this? Living like this requires the help of the Holy Spirit which lives in us. The very same Jesus who calls us to this type of life lives in us.
So, love your enemies! Ask Jesus to help you and show you how you can specifically and tangibly allow Him to work through you to love your enemies. BE MERCIFUL. Mercy is loving someone who won’t love you back. Christ is going to bless you for allowing His mercy to flow through you in a way that brings good things to those who don’t deserve it. Being merciful is a key to Christian living!
Other Biblical Keys for Christian Living –
- Being a Servant- CLICK HERE
- Being Merciful – CLICK HERE
- Being Kind – CLICK HERE
- Being Joyful – CLICK HERE
- Being Grateful – CLICK HERE
- Being Led by the Spirit – CLICK HERE
- Being Prayerful – CLICK HERE
