The Beatitudes Part 5

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."            Matthew 5:7.  NKJV

The word 'Merciful,' in the Greek is a word called eleemon. It demonstrates active compassion, especially to the poor. It is kind, compassionate, sympathetic, merciful and sensitive. A person with these qualities finds outlets for their merciful nature.

Usually, the one who gives out this type of mercy is one who has received it. They know just how it feels to receive mercy just when they need it, when all is lost and suddenly, someone shows them mercy. The merciful one will be forgiving to others, always thinking the best of them wherever possible. To receive mercy ourselves, we need to show mercy to others. It is rather like forgiveness. If we forgive people we in return are forgiven. If we don't forgive people, neither will we be forgiven. (Matthew 6:14-15).

William Barclay describes how Queen Victoria was a close friend of Principal John Tulloch of St Andrews. When Prince Albert died Victoria was left all alone. Around the same time, Principal Tulloch died also. Therefore, Mrs Tulloch was also left all alone. Totally unannounced, Queen Victoria went to call on Mrs Tulloch. When she arrived Mrs Tulloch was resting on a couch. When she saw the Queen, she struggles to get up and curtsey, but Queen Victoria said, 'Don't rise. I'm not coming to you today as the Queen to a subject but as a woman who has lost her husband too.'   (William Barclay 1956 The Gospel of Matthew).

God showed us mercy also. He came to us in the form of Jesus. He showed each one of us love and mercy; forgiveness and friendship. This is how He expects us to be with all we meet. Yes, people hurt us but don't we hurt Jesus just the same? Yet He still shows us His love and mercy. Let us go and show that mercy to all we may meet today.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com