Blessed are the Merciful 

There is something about the word mercy that always makes me pause and ponder.  I think it might be because mercy is not a word that comes up often in our everyday conversations.  And sadly, mercy is not something we see enacted regularly in our world.  Yet, mercy is a key attribute of God and a virtue we as believers are called to emulate. 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentation 3:22-23)

This was one of my memory verses earlier this year.  The NIV uses the word “compassions” instead of “mercies,” and I love this translation because I see it as a reminder that God’s compassion will never let me be consumed by the world around me.  God is faithful and God’s mercies are new every day!   Even though I might deserve God’s wrath or judgement…I receive God’s mercy instead!

Which again causes me to pause and ponder about my own actions or rather re-actions…are they filled with mercy?  Is my response to those God puts in my path one of compassion? Empathy? Forgiveness?  Mercy?

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’
you find yourselves cared for.” (The Message)

Mercy involves compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, especially towards those who are suffering or who don't deserve it. Mercy is not just something we feel; mercy is something we do.  Mercy is not optional. Not if we want to be shown mercy. Mercy begets mercy.  What we say or how we act towards others is what we get in return.  I learned that as a child…the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  It is a virtue that has stuck with me, but it doesn’t mean I have always lived it out.  I try, and I try, and I try again.  That is mercy at work, we know we fail but we get up and try again – God is faithful, God is full of mercy towards us.  So, we need to show mercy to others. 

So how is your capacity for mercy?  Are you living a life that emulates mercy?  Me, I am always a work in progress.  God’s mercies are new every morning and so are mine.  Mercy is a habit of the heart. 

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.