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Welcome to week six of my series on The Beatitudes.
The Sermon on the Mount teachings are a demonstration of what we should be living as Christ followers. Jesus set the tone early on in His ministry regarding what He was about and what it meant to be His disciple and have a Kingdom mindset. These teachings are the foundation for what Jesus modeled and would be doing for the next three years of His earthly ministry, and what He longs for us His followers to do as well.
The Beatitudes are the good news of the Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus preached for the here and now and also for the Kingdom to come. I look forward to diving in deeper to each one of the 8 Beatitudes in the weeks to come.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7 NIV)
“Where’s Jesse?” my mother asked with concern, bringing our conversation from before to a halt.
“Huh, what?” I said as I was looking around the room to find my six-year-old son. I glanced out into the backyard to see if he went out to play, but I didn’t see him at all. So, I went in search of him, while my mom stayed with my daughter.
As I walked down the hallway, I could hear crying. For the life of me I had no idea what could have happened to make my son cry. One minute he was watching TV playing with his transformers and the next he was gone. No, crying or mention that he was hurt, or his toy broke, nothing. He just silently disappeared to his room.
I approached his room and peeked around the corner through the doorway and sure enough there he was, sitting on his bed … crying. What in the world had happened, I thought. I approached the bed and sat down next to him and asked, “Jess, what’s the matter? Why are you crying?”
He looked up at me with big tears in his eyes and said, “Mom, somebody has to do something for those little kids!”
Confused I asked, “What kids?” There weren’t any other kids around that day, and I was clueless as to what he could be talking about.
“Those kids with cancer mom! They need help, we have to do something. Can we do something?”
It was then that I realized he was talking about what had been on TV a few minutes before. An infomercial/commercial to raise support for children who had been diagnosed with cancer and needed treatment. I pulled him into a hug to comfort him. I told him we could talk about ways we could help, but maybe right now, the best thing would be to pray for them and pray for a cure. I could feel his little head bob up and down in agreement and I began to pray while I held him.
After we were done, he didn’t want to leave his room, he said he wanted to talk to God about it some more and think. So, I left my sweet tenderhearted child sitting on his bed contemplating what more he could do.
When I returned to the living room, my mom asked what was wrong with Jesse and why had left the room. I explained what had happened, and my mom exclaimed, “Oh, he has the gift of mercy.”
Yes, she was right. Even to this day, my now, twenty-five-year-old son has a tender heart filled with mercy and compassion for others. I love that about him. He will make a great husband and father one day because of it. But the enemy also has used his tender heart against him causing him hurt and disappointment, but it hasn’t changed his compassionate heart.
When I read Matthew 5:7 in regard to mercy, the image that always comes to mind, is the scene I just shared with you above. Of my son, having so much compassion for people he didn’t even know. However, there is much more to what Jesus was talking about here. It is not just someone who possess the gift of mercy, but it is something that we are all to possess as well.
Throughout the Gospels, we often read that Jesus was moved with compassion and had mercy on people and He healed them. When we read “He had mercy (compassion) on them” … I wonder if what it is really saying, is that it wasn’t Jesus’ plan at that exact moment to do something and heal them, but then He had mercy on the individual(s) and He healed them. (Matt. 14:14; Matt 20:34) There is something about mercy that makes the hand of God move.
Mercy by definition is: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.[1]
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8 NIV)
In our world today, the shouts of those wanting justice, seem to overshadow those whose hearts are set towards mercy.
I will be honest with you, sometimes I have a difficult time showing mercy. I am usually a very kind and compassionate person however, I have this justice meter inside of me that goes off every time there is an injustice done. It doesn’t matter if it was done to me, I observe it, or I hear about it. I just want God to come in and set things right bringing His justice and meting out punishment and yet, these verses here make me stop and pause.
There were times when Jesus was upset by the injustice occurring around Him, like when He called the Pharisees a brood of vipers (Matt 12:34), or He overturned the tables in the temple courtyard (John 2:15). However, the majority of the time Jesus was merciful and compassionate toward the sinner. He did not judge them. He didn’t overlook their sin. He spoke truth in love and extended the Fathers heart to those in need.
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to show how we need to be compassionate and merciful towards others. (Luke 10:25-37) When He was hanging on the cross, looking down at the soldiers’ gamble over His clothes and those mocking Him, He ask God to have mercy on them (Luke 23:34). Then there was Stephen, who had mercy on those who were stoning him to death (Acts 7:60)
Matthew 5:7 clearly state, that if I/we want to have mercy shown to me/us, I/we should also extend mercy to others. After all, this is exactly what Jesus did for us on the cross.
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13 NIV)
although you can’t expect to be shown mercy if you refuse to show mercy. But hear this: mercy always wins against judgment! Thank God! (James 2:13 The Voice)
I’ve heard it said:
“Mercy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s situation and act with compassion.”
This is what Scriptures tells us it looks like to be merciful:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
[1] Dictionary.com
Welcome to the Featured Post from last weeks #TuneInThursday
This week’s top Clicked Post was Ronja over at Abounding Grace: (Click the picture to head over to her site).
Ronja not only has graduated college, recently started a new job, but to top it all off, she has just started a NEW weekly link-up on Tuesday. If you are looking for a new Tuesday addition to the places you building community hop on over and tell her Hi, from all of us here at #TuneInThursday
Also, I want to let all you creative, bible journaling, or artsy type people know about Dani’s New Weekly Linkup. She goes live on Sunday’s. If you do art of any kind, or Bible journal, head over to her place and linkup your posts it’s another great place to build community.
Have you noticed many linkups are closing? Yep,I have too… so here is one more that is fairly new and opens on Friday. I want to encourage everyone to go check out this one from Amy and Jessica called Live Life Well. I know we all have our regular linkups, but I think it is so important that we help each other out. Especially those that are just starting new linkups. We as writers and bloggers need to seek building community with others.
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Posts: “Will You Sit with Me?” & New Mercies Everyday & Wait for it were featured here:
My Posts: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year & And So Do We! & Know Your Why were featured here:
My Post: The Power of your Story was featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
I understand what you mean about a justice meter. Sometimes it is difficult to show mercy to those we don’t believe “deserve” it. I live in a community with many Amish members, and I often look at their ability to show mercy with amazement. They are an excellent example of people showing God’s mercy.
Oh Laurie, I am so glad I am not the only with a justice meter … What an amazing testimony to the Amish community, and something we all could learn to do better from them in showing mercy. Wow, it’s so great you are able to see that first hand. Thanks for sharing and for being here today
Two weeks of May gone already? Crazy! I hope your month’s been going great!
I know, this month is flying by and I am not even ready for it to be going so fast, although the nicer weather is great 🙂
A friend and I have often laughed together over our LACK of the gift of mercy, slapping on band aids and doling out Tylenol to sick family members with way too much ease, and wondering why they don’t have their homework done in the same breath. It’s good to remind ourselves that mercy is a crucial part of the kingdom of God, and what we don’t have naturally, God will provide through the work of His Spirit in us. May we find grace to cooperate with that process!
Michele, thanks for making me feel better and to know I am not alone with my lack of mercy. This post was a good reminder for me as well that I need to rely more on the Holy Spirit to bring mercy when mine is lacking. Blessings and thanks for being here today!
One of your scripture passages now has me singing my current favorite praise song. “You delight in showing mercy. And mercy triumphs over judgment”. laurensparks.net
Oh Lauren, that is a great song, and one we like to sing around our house and at church too. It is so true.. God is amazing at showing mercy! Blessings
Hi Debbie, I did get to read all your Dream posts, giving you two today. Happy Mother’s Day!
Oh Rebecca, I am so glad you were able to locate them. I pray they blessed you and gave you some useful information. Happy Mother’s Day to you too!
I love your story of your son, how precious that memory is!
My husband is huge on injustice & feels the same as you mentioned!
I like the saying that “unless you have walked a mile in the other person’s shoes you should not judge!”
As believers we shouldn’t as Jesus warned us not to judge but I like that saying as it says so much about mercy!
You’re welcome to drop by anytime!
Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer, it definitely is a precious memory for sure. Yes, that saying is so true as well as you are right, Jesus did tell us not to judge, although sometimes we find ourselves doing just that. Blessings and thanks for being here today
Debbie, I actually added my comment and link before reading the post, what a great story about your son. God bless him, you are right though that tender heart is not weakness but strength but sometimes it gets hurt, and I agree about injustice, but I can’t fix things.Have a great Mother’s Day.
Oh, thanks for coming back and leaving me another comment Rebecca! Yes, it is strength in Him and praying that times when the hurt comes that He trusts God to make it better and not harden himself to how God created him. Blessings 🙂
Thank you for hosting this opportunity to bring bloggers together and share their posts. I look forward to your party each week. #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings. I am sharing a few Cinco de Mayo Recipes, Crock Pot Cocktail Smokies, and Crock Pot Chicken Stroganoff.
you are most welcome Marilyn! Thanks for linking up and also for providing linkup opportunities as well
Hi Debbie, I was so blessed to read this story about your son. It’s always amazing to me to see the gifts God gives to each person in my life and how those gifts teach me something important too. Thank you for sharing with us about mercy. Praying that we will show mercy to those around us just as Jesus shows us His mercy. God bless!
Visiting you from Faith on Fire linkup. Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Thank you, Connie! You are most welcome for sharing both my story about my son, and also sharing about mercy. You have a wonderful Mother’s Day too!
Debbie, this was just what I needed to read today. There is a situation in which someone dear to me really needs mercy to be shown. This just reminds me that we all should be merciful and that God is a God of mercy. I know He led me here at this time when I really needed to read it. So, thank you and blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #FreshMarketFriday.
Oh Gayl, I am so glad you were blessed and reminded that your special someone needs mercy at this time. God is so good to give us what we need, just when we need it. I am so glad you were my neighbor today 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day to you
Thank you so much for hosting! And for another wonderful post!
I am also very justice oriented and therefore at times find mercy hard. But I feel that I have a big heart as well and love deeply. I am sure that this is an area where I could use some help.
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
You are most welcome Amy! I have the same thing, sometimes I swing so far over to being justice driven to other others having the big heart as you mentioned… but being a justice oriented person, I often times require the nudging of the Holy Spirit to remind me – mercy is the key. Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day
You as well!!
And thank you so much for the feature of our link up! That was so very sweet of you! I am loving meeting so many encouraging women over at the link up and love having you a part of it as well!
Blessings!
Amy, you are most welcome, Hopefully, by me bringing attention to your linkup more people will find you 🙂 It is always fun to meet new people and encourage one another that we meet at the linkups 🙂 Blessings
Thank you for promoting all these new link-ups, Debbie! It really does seem like so many link-ups are closing, and it takes a while for people to hear about the new link-ups… so thank you for sharing these! 🙂 Blessings!
Ronja, You are most welcome, I enjoy helping to support others, I think it is so important that we do so. Have an awesome week.
Such beautiful words written. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Thank You Patrick! I did have a very nice and relaxing Mother’s Day!
Debbie, I loved the illustration you used about mercy. It is so clear. What a sweet boy you have. I know he is all grown up but forever your boy.
Thank you Maree, he is indeed a sweet boy and even though he is a grown man, he will always and forever be my boy 🙂 I tell him that all the time. LOL
You gave a beautiful picture of mercy. You’re blessed that your mother identified your son’s gift early on. Oh that each of us had a mother like you to guide us into using our gift for God’s glory.
Thank you Calvonia 🙂 Yes, I am blessed that my mother was able to discern his gifting at a young age, it helped explain a lot. Thank you for stopping by today .
I love the story of your merciful boy and voicing the struggles of the tender-hearted – yet with the Holy Spirit’s power of keeping his mercy intact. I find that my justice meter acts differently depending on how close a person is to me. For some reason, it’s easier to offer mercy to people I don’t know over those that are closest to me. I could use some work in this area because I most definitely need the Lord to be merciful to me. Thank you for sharing with us at #LiveLifeWell. Your words are always so wise and encouraging.
Jessica, it’s funny you mention how your justice meter acts differently depending on your relationship with the person .. upon reflection, I can say t he same is true for me as well. I guess I need to work some more in that area as well. I am very glad to be able to share my posts at your linkup. Thanks for hosting and for linking up with me on Thursday’s as well.