Moved With Mercy (By Pastor Bob Stiles)

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

The principal Hebrew word for mercy, “checed” speaks of an emotional response to the needs of others. It means to feel the pain of another so deeply that we’re compelled to do something about it. In fact, people in Bible times believed that the seat of emotions was found in the intestinal area. That’s why the King James Version uses the phrase, “bowels of mercy.” Mercy means to “get inside someone’s skin”, to see things with their eyes, to think what they are thinking, and feel what they are experiencing; to move in and act on behalf of those who are hurting.

We can see this idea captured in Matthew 14:14: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” The word “compassion” means that Jesus was so moved that His stomach churned, or literally, “his bowels yearned” for the crowd. Notice that this churning led Him to do something about it! He saw the need and then He went into action. Mercy in theory is absolutely meaningless. Simply “having mercy” as an emotional state of mind doesn’t benefit anyone. Mercy must move us to action! In addition, the emphasis in this beatitude is on those who are inclined to show mercy as a lifestyle, not those who are merciful on an occasional basis.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” He was teaching that mercy to men brings mercy from God – not mercy from men. Our corrupt, ego-centered, and selfish society often asks only one question; “What’s in it for me?” Jesus wants us to ask “ Lord, what’s in it for You? How can I meet people’s needs right where they are? What acts of compassion can I do?” Mercy is meeting people’s needs wherever their needs are – in what ever situation they find themselves. It’s not simply “feeling” compassion but “showing” compassion, not only sympathizing but offering a helping hand as well. The true character of mercy is in giving – giving compassion, giving help, giving time, giving money, giving of yourself and giving forgiveness. If you desire to “brightly reflect the glory of the Lord” and become “more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more” you must “never give up” in showing His mercy. (2 Cor 3:17-4:2 NLT)

Mercy Suggestion: Who do you need to release from debt today? Forgiveness is the virtue we most enjoy but least employ. Nothing proves more clearly that we have been recipients of mercy than our own readiness to forgive. And secondly, what downtrodden person can you restore this week? You don’t necessarily have to go looking for someone because God will bring people along your path. What will you do? Will you be a taker, a keeper, or a giver? Determine right now to move from emotion to motion.