Text: Matthew 5:7
By: Godwin Eyiangho
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INTRODUCTION
The sermon on the mount otherwise known as the Beatitude is one of the finest teachings by Christ concerning the lifestyle in the kingdom of God – the rule of God in the hearts of men.
Though many scholars and commentaries vary in their in their interpretation and explanation of some of the beatitudes, the message is apparent that these characteristics must be possessed and exhibited by those in the kingdom of God on earth.
Today, we are undertaking the study of one of them: mercy, which interrelates with compassion.
DEFINITION
Mercy: A kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly. Kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation.
The Greek word ἔλεος (éleos) means the outward manifestation of pity.
It assumes a need on the part of him who receives it and resources adequate to meet that need on the part of him who shows it. It is a result of God’s nature.
(Ephesians 2:4; Titus 3:5; Luke 1:72; Romans 15:9)
Compassion: A feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, or in trouble, etc.
The Greek word σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnízomai) means “to have pity — a feeling of distress from the ills of others.
It is an attribute of God (Mark 1:41; Romans 9:15).
It is crystal clear from the definition of terms that mercy and compassion are in the divine nature of God, that should be shown to others to attract God’s blessings.
DISCUSSION
Christians were given the divine nature of God at baptism and invariably they possess some of the characteristics and qualities of God which they must practice as proof of true discipleship of Christ – (Acts 2:38; 2 Peter 1:7; Galatians 5:22-23).
One of these divine natures is mercy was mentioned during the sermon on the mount.
Therefore, being merciful and compassionate will be used interchangeably in this discussion as both of them have almost identical meaning and application in Christian living.
Before looking at the blessings of being merciful to others, I will examine who and how we should show mercy.
OUR OFFENDERS
Those who have offended us in one way or the other — no matter the magnitude or number of times — we must be merciful and forgive them unconditionally and entirely Matthew 18:21,22,35; Ephesians 4:32.
THE NEEDY
Those who are destitute of food, clothing, or money should be assisted accordingly. It is a time to open our bonds of compassion, sharing our material possessions with others Proverbs 19:17; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17.
THE AFFLICTED
Those who are sick, bereaved, or tormented by demons should be visited, fast, and prayed for their deliverance. We must be merciful with all their plights – Job 6:14; Matthew 25:35,36.
SINNERS
We must be merciful on sinners and their ignorance and be moved with compassion to preach the gospel to them with humility and love John 3:16; Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 9:16.
We must persuade them with the word of God 2 Corinthians 5:11a.
ONE ANOTHER
We must be merciful, kind-hearted to one another in our relationship as Christians and with the world – Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 5:15,16.
In our relationship, we must be merciful with our tongues and in all activities. Being compassionate on the ignorance and mistakes of others with the sole aim of carrying one another softly in love and humility Colossians 4:6; Job 16:2.
BLESSINGS OF BEING MERCIFUL
We live here on earth, like our Father who is always merciful to all men – Matthew 5:44–45; Psalm 145:8–9.
“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works”
We enjoy God’s mercy and forgiveness always, with favor from men – Matthew 6:14; Acts 2:47.
When we show mercy to the needy and afflicted, we do service to Christ and please Him and we are blessed Mathew 25:40.
Eternal Life – Since we are merciful to others, we receive God’s mercy and forgiveness of our sins and thus, we are blessed and sure of eternal life in heaven Matthew 25:34
CONCLUSION
Christians must be merciful and compassionate, like their Father in heaven and Christ like on earth. If we are merciful and compassionate, we are blessed and certain that heaven will be our eternal home of rest Psalm 18:25; Matthew 5:7; Matthew 25:34.
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