Go! And Show Mercy - Matthew 5:7 Series

Go! And Show Mercy - Matthew 5:7

Introduction

Today, we continue our ‘Go! And…’ series by focusing on a powerful yet often misunderstood command from Jesus.

Our key verse is found in Matthew 5:7: "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7, NLT)

In this verse, Jesus, in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount, teaches about the character of those who are part of His Kingdom. Today, we will explore what it means to be merciful, why mercy is essential, and how we can practically live out mercy in our daily lives.

1. Understanding Mercy: A Reflection of God’s Character

Mercy is more than just a feeling of pity; it is an active compassion that moves us to help others. The Greek word used for mercy here is eleemon (??e?µ??), which denotes an attitude of kindness and forgiveness toward those in distress.

God’s Mercy Toward Us

One of the most striking attributes of God is His mercy. Throughout Scripture, we see that our Lord is a merciful God:

Lamentations 3:22-23 – "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."

Ephesians 2:4-5 – "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead."

God’s mercy is not something we deserve, yet He lavishes it upon us. As recipients of His mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others.

"God’s mercy is His ministry to the miserable." – Charles Spurgeon

The concept of mercy is deeply embedded in Jewish tradition. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for mercy, chesed (?????), conveys a covenantal, steadfast love that God shows to His people. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Law, calls His followers to display this same steadfast mercy toward others.

2. The Call to Be Merciful

Mercy is not just a suggestion; it is a command for every believer. Jesus demonstrated mercy throughout His ministry:

John 8:10-11 – When the adulterous woman was brought before Him, Jesus extended mercy instead of condemnation.

Luke 10:33-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that mercy crosses cultural and societal boundaries.

Luke 6:36 – "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."

Practical Application: Living Out Mercy

How can we be merciful in our everyday lives? Here are three key ways:

Forgiving Others – Just as God forgives us, we must forgive those who hurt us (Colossians 3:13).

Helping Those in Need – Mercy involves action. Whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or support, we must extend mercy (James 2:13-17).

Showing Grace in Relationships – Instead of judging others harshly, we should respond with patience and understanding (Matthew 7:1-2).

3. The Blessing of Mercy

Jesus promises that those who are merciful will receive mercy in return. This does not mean earning salvation, but rather that those who reflect God’s mercy will experience His mercy more fully.

James 2:13 – "There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you."

Proverbs 11:25 – "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

"Blessed are the merciful—not just in feeling but in action. The promise is not a mere return of human kindness but the very mercy of God Himself." – John Stott

Conclusion: Go! And Show Mercy

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect the mercy we have received. In a world filled with judgment and division, let us be a people known for our mercy.

Who in your life needs to experience the mercy of Christ through you?

Are there areas where you have withheld forgiveness or kindness?

Call to Action:

Let us commit to living mercifully, not just in words, but in actions. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, extending mercy to a broken world.

Invitation to Faith:

If you have never received the mercy of Jesus for yourself, today is the day to do so. He offers forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who come to Him.

Romans 10:9 says, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Will you accept His mercy today?

Prayer.

Let us go and live out the mercy of our Lord. Amen.