“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7).
God commends merciful people but condemns the merciless.
The teachings in Scripture reveal that those who received great blessings from God also demonstrated great mercy towards others. Abraham, for instance, selflessly aided his nephew Lot, despite the previous conflict between them. Joseph showed compassion towards his brothers despite the betrayal they had inflicted upon him. On two occasions, David showed remarkable mercy by sparing Saul’s life, despite Saul’s attempts to take his own.
Just as certain as the divine approval for those who display mercy, there is divine disapproval for those who lack mercy. In Psalm 109:14-16, it is written that the actions of the merciless person’s ancestors should be brought to the attention of the Lord. The sin of the person’s mother should not be forgotten, as they themselves failed to demonstrate mercy.
When the time of judgment arrives, those who have neglected their fellow human beings will be separated from the divine presence. They will be sent to a place of everlasting fire, a place originally intended for the devil and his followers. The reason for this separation is that they failed to provide basic necessities to those in need – food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, shelter to the stranger, clothing to the naked, and care to the sick and imprisoned. This serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy towards others. The individuals will inquire, “Master, on what occasion did we witness Your hunger, thirst, unfamiliarity, lack of clothing, illness, or imprisonment, and fail to attend to Your needs?” (verse 44). The response will be that when mercy was denied to those who represented Him, it was effectively denied to Him as well (v. 45).
In today’s world, we are often encouraged to prioritize our own desires and accumulate as much as possible. However, there is a higher calling that urges us to extend a helping hand and selflessly give to those around us. If someone wrongs you, fails to repay a debt, or doesn’t return something he has borrowed from you, it is important to show mercy towards them. That doesn’t imply condoning wrongdoing, but rather approaching others with a compassionate mindset. That’s what Christ did for you—can you show the same level of compassion for others?
Prayer
If there is someone who has wronged you, it will be helpful to pray for that person and ask for a heart filled with compassion. Strive to mend any conflicts without delay.
