relationships (Matthew 5:7) Mercy Has Its Reward

(Matthew 5:7)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

When we are compassionate, others will tend to show compassion towards us. Even many unbelievers know of the verse,  Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31).  And while this definitely helps us to get along with people in general, we will come across those who will not reciprocate. Still, we are to continue to show love, compassion and kindness, no matter what.  I mean, think about the alternative, someone gets in our face, and then we get in their face, and... then what?   By doing that, we will only escalate the situation.

As believers, we are called to go the extra mile, because we are representatives (ambassadors) of Christ.  God loves all people, therefore we are to love all people.  And with Christ in us, in every situation, we should be asking and allowing Him to use us to His glory, to share His love with even the unlovable, to shine His light out into a dark world that is without hope.  So, when we are obedient in God's will, in His love and strength, as our verse above says, we receive mercy... God's mercy!  And so much more!

I've done some cross-referencing here, because God really can lay it all out very clearly for us, without the need for us to explain anything!  Except that we can share experiences and testify where and how these truths worked when we applied them.  Because I know from experience that when I obey God's word, it will always work!  GOD always works!!! 

(Romans 8:28). And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.   

(Ephesians 4:31-32)  All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

(Romans 12:17-21)  Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Proverbs 25:21-22)

     If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

     And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For you will heap burning coals on his head,
     And the Lord will reward you.