Matthew 5:7 (NIV84): 7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
This week we have been focusing on the the mercy beatitude. Pastor Orlando shared a great message Sunday. He showed how the vertical relationship we have in the Kingdom of God must move horizontally. We receive mercy from God and then should show mercy to those around us. This is how the Fiesta-Life looks.
I am struck to hear the person who is full of mercy is the one who is given mercy. It seems a little backwards until you use Kingdom math. “Give and it shall be given to you.” (Luke 6:36) We quote it often, but don’t think about the context. Luke 6:36 says “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” The person who is leaking mercy and forgiveness is filled again with mercy. This is the amazing part of the Kingdom of God. The supply is not limited. Because God is merciful and he has poured out His mercy, we can give without fear of running out.
There are times when it may seem impossible to forgive another person. “I just don’t have it in me to forgive because I hurt too much.” There is no easy answer to that real and valid feeling. Personally, I have found that I have to trust the mercy and forgiveness of God. Lord first I ask you to forgive the one who has hurt me. Then Lord help me to forgive. God helps me forgive others by showing me how much I need from be forgiven. We forgive the person who needs mercy. You cannot earn mercy it is always a gift.
If you wait until you feel like giving mercy you will be forever waiting. Start by proclaiming forgiveness. Then your attitude and your actions can follow. I’m not saying you fake it until you make it. Instead be honest to say, I chose to forgive. I chose to trust God to work his righteousness in me and the person who offended me. I may not be there yet, but that is where I am going. If you don’t have enough mercy in you, Good News! The mercy leakers will receive new mercy. “His mercies are new every morning.” Lam 3:23 in the middle of your lament realize His mercies are new because He is faithful.