Day 5 // The Merciful

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7

It’s safe to say we all want mercy. We all want to be treated better than we deserve. We all wish others would overlook our wrongs, temper justice and offer forgiveness instead. If only people were patient, and willing to see us through tender eyes of compassion and benevolence. But do we give away the kind of mercy we want to be given?

Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Peter was sure his forgiveness had exceeded any expectation. But Jesus famously responded, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18).

The truth is, it’s easy to expect mercy without also having a willingness to extend it. But in the Kingdom the two are inextricably linked. Why? Because every time we extend mercy, we testify to the divine mercy God has shown us. There should be no end to the mercy we give, because there is no end to the mercy we’ve been given.

Pray:

> Thank God for the specific ways He has granted mercy to you personally.

> That God would reveal any person or group of people from whom you are withholding mercy. Ask for His help in extending forgiveness where needed.

> That our church would collectively and faithfully testify to God’s lavish mercy by how we extend mercy to others.