The Promise of Mercy

If you're like most people, you want to be treated kindly, mercifully. We say, "Gimme a break," or "Try a little tenderness," and we mean it!

Too often, we forget that it cuts both ways. Consider the following verses:

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." 

~Matthew 5:7

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly." 

~Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

The good news is that our heavenly Father shows mercy to us even when we don't deserve it. Didn't He send His beloved Son to die for the ungodly. Doesn't He forgive us each and every time we repent of our misdeeds.

Since He calls us to be imitators of Him, let's try being merciful even as He is merciful. Let's try being holy even as He is holy. It should come as no surprise that when we extend mercy to others, most will reciprocate. But then, even if they don't, our heavenly Father notices and will supply whatever is lacking in their response to us--if not now, then when He passes out rewards in Heaven.

"With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful."

~Psalm 18:25 NKJV