Most Overlooked Key to Being Blessed – being merciful

Blessed are the merciful

The most over looked key to being blessed is – BEING MERCIFUL. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Being merciful is showing mercy. Mercy is forgiveness and patience extended to someone despite the fact that the person deserves only justice. When people treat us badly, if they are mean, rude, unkind or behave in an ungodly manner and we choose to forgive them that is being merciful.

Jesus said, “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)

So, are we really suppose to love, bless and pray for our enemies? What in the “world” is Jesus thinking? Why would we do that? Because when we do we will be blessed and our reward will be great! We will receive forgiveness. We will receive mercy. Being merciful is one of the greatest keys to be blessed. It is a law of the kingdom. The kingdom of God works counter to that of the world. The worlds response is to get back at those who hurt you, to get even, to tell them off or give them a piece of you mind. We’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) We’re going to be merciful.

So, how can we do this? Following Christ and being merciful requires the help of the Holy Spirit. This is not something we can do on our own, by simple will power. (Zechariah 4:6) The good news is the very same Jesus who calls us to this type of life lives in us. He will help you, if you surrender to Him and allow Him to work in you and through you. (Philippians 2:13) Here are 3 more tips to help you live a merciful life:

1. Remember how much you need mercy. Aren’t you glad God has forgiven you? Aren’t you glad He is merciful towards you when you mess up? Jesus said “if you refuse to forgive others (show mercy), your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15) We all need mercy. Being merciful sets you up for more of God’s mercy. Colossians 3;13 NLT says, “You must make allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” Remember how much you need mercy and – Be merciful!
2. Remember mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13) No one deserves mercy. In fact you cannot be merciful to someone who is innocent. Mercy can only be given to the guilty. So, we extend mercy not because someone has repented, made amends, or done penance, we extend mercy because we choose to follow Christ. Giving mercy does not mean we are letting someone off the hook or approve of their behavior we simply trust the Lord and know that in the end mercy will triumph. Throughout history God has reserved judgment for himself and required mercy at the hands of his people. Remember when you choose to show mercy instead of pronouncing judgment you will triumph – Be merciful!
3. Remember to look for opportunities every day to show mercy to friends and enemies. Be alert to the individuals and the situations where mercy is needed. We are not only to be merciful to family and friends, but to enemies as well. John wrote, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1John 3:17) If we ignore or don’t recognize those in need of mercy it may be a lack of love and compassion in our hearts. “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,” (Ephesians 5:2) Remember to be alert to the needs of those around you and to be moved with compassion – Be merciful!

Right now pray and ask Jesus to help you and show you how you can specifically and tangibly allow Him to work through you to love not only friends, but your enemies and to 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 – your enemies. One of the most overlooked keys being blessed – BEING MERCIFUL!