Blessed Are The Merciful

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

 

To be merciful, I understand, is to have forbearance and love toward our fellow even as Christ has toward us (John 13:34). The merciful shall obtain mercy, not only in this life, in the blessings that radiate upon them from all sides as a reward of their love and mercy to their brethren and fellow men, but also by an eternal weight of glory prepared for them in the kingdom of God before the foundation of the world. James wrote, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)

 

Yes, hardheartedness reaps just what it sows, even in this life. Treat people meanly and they will treat you the same, but approach them with love and charity and they will return gratitude, as a general rule. We read in Luke 10:-38 of a certain man who went from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves who left him lying half dead. A priest went that way and when he saw him he passed by on the other side without helping him out of his misery. Likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Finally a Samaritan came by and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, went to him and treated his wounds and cared for him. When he departed the next day he left money with the innkeeper for his support and assured him that if he needed more he would pay him when he returned. Now which of these three was the true neighbor of him who fell among thieves? That is easy to decide-the one who showed mercy to him: so go and do the same. Demonstrate your faith by your works. Let your love and mercy be known to all who are in need. If you can show mercy to anyone, do it with cheerfulness. Love and Mercy toward our fellow men is not so easily sugar-coated as a pretended love for God. The love of one's neighbor is valued highly and is truly the fulfillment of the law.