Today we read verse another verse of the Beatitudes: 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the merciful. Our dictionary defines mercy as: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown towards an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence. So it appears that this beatitude is for those who have power to exercise over others.
I try to think of the times and the opportunity that I have shown mercy. I do not have power over anyone, but I think of the situation of driving down the street and seeing a squirrel dart out in front of my car. I do not want to run over a squirrel, so I slow down and try to allow it to either change it's direction and not cross my path. I try to allow enough time for it to cross in front of me without hitting it. I must admit sometimes, it seems that they are intent on getting hit because with all my efforts, I have run over a couple. I try and try to be merciful and yet they still proceed to run in the way of the vehicle.
I have power over my vehicle but I do not have power over the squirrels. I use this analogy just to talk about having power over someone or something, and how mercy can be exercised. Mercy requires compassion. It is a positional grace, that is used by those who have position over us, separated by some relational distinction. I am not a squirrel but I am a living being just as the squirrel. People are related to one another by the fact that they are of the same species, but there are relational distinctions between us. We say that we are all equal and that we are. However, I am not a judge, nor a pilot, nor a governor, nor a policeman. And these are the relational distinctions that separate us as humans in this world. So a policeman has authority over an offender, a governor has power over a felon, a judge has rule over a defendant and can exercise sentencing in various degrees, either basically according to the law or extremely according to the will of the judge.
Yet in each situation there is a relational distinction between the parties that has no connection. One is above the other and there are no ties to bind them together. I am not related to a squirrel in my driving relationship. A judge is not related to a defendant. A policeman is not related to an offender, and a governor is not or should not be related to a felon that he wants to pardon. One is above the other, separated by the relational distinction.
And yet in this gap of non-relational ties, mercy can be exercised. Mercy can be the bridge that brings the to relations together and creates ties that express something common between the two parties. My emotional feelings for life and living things allows me to take action to try and not hit a squirrel. I have no relationship to the squirrel but mercy allows me to bridge the gap.
God in his infinite wisdom has blessed those who are merciful, for in the expression of mercy we shall have mercy dispensed to us. Christ tells us that to receive mercy we must exercise mercy. God gave his only begotten son to come to earth to save mankind. He bridged the gap and expressed mercy to mankind. Now we must also do the same in our relational distinctions with each other. In doing so we follow the example given us by God. We express our tenderness. We show our love. We recognize that tiny bit in each of us which says that, we were created in his image and likeness. Despite whatever evil we have done, we are still God's children and, if we recognize this fact, can ask, from the sincere depths of our hearts, for forgiveness, repent of our sins, and receive his mercy. God so loves us that he forgave us of all the sins that we have committed against him. We should do likewise.
Blessed are the merciful. Our dictionary defines mercy as: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown towards an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence. So it appears that this beatitude is for those who have power to exercise over others.
I try to think of the times and the opportunity that I have shown mercy. I do not have power over anyone, but I think of the situation of driving down the street and seeing a squirrel dart out in front of my car. I do not want to run over a squirrel, so I slow down and try to allow it to either change it's direction and not cross my path. I try to allow enough time for it to cross in front of me without hitting it. I must admit sometimes, it seems that they are intent on getting hit because with all my efforts, I have run over a couple. I try and try to be merciful and yet they still proceed to run in the way of the vehicle.
I have power over my vehicle but I do not have power over the squirrels. I use this analogy just to talk about having power over someone or something, and how mercy can be exercised. Mercy requires compassion. It is a positional grace, that is used by those who have position over us, separated by some relational distinction. I am not a squirrel but I am a living being just as the squirrel. People are related to one another by the fact that they are of the same species, but there are relational distinctions between us. We say that we are all equal and that we are. However, I am not a judge, nor a pilot, nor a governor, nor a policeman. And these are the relational distinctions that separate us as humans in this world. So a policeman has authority over an offender, a governor has power over a felon, a judge has rule over a defendant and can exercise sentencing in various degrees, either basically according to the law or extremely according to the will of the judge.
Yet in each situation there is a relational distinction between the parties that has no connection. One is above the other and there are no ties to bind them together. I am not related to a squirrel in my driving relationship. A judge is not related to a defendant. A policeman is not related to an offender, and a governor is not or should not be related to a felon that he wants to pardon. One is above the other, separated by the relational distinction.
And yet in this gap of non-relational ties, mercy can be exercised. Mercy can be the bridge that brings the to relations together and creates ties that express something common between the two parties. My emotional feelings for life and living things allows me to take action to try and not hit a squirrel. I have no relationship to the squirrel but mercy allows me to bridge the gap.
God in his infinite wisdom has blessed those who are merciful, for in the expression of mercy we shall have mercy dispensed to us. Christ tells us that to receive mercy we must exercise mercy. God gave his only begotten son to come to earth to save mankind. He bridged the gap and expressed mercy to mankind. Now we must also do the same in our relational distinctions with each other. In doing so we follow the example given us by God. We express our tenderness. We show our love. We recognize that tiny bit in each of us which says that, we were created in his image and likeness. Despite whatever evil we have done, we are still God's children and, if we recognize this fact, can ask, from the sincere depths of our hearts, for forgiveness, repent of our sins, and receive his mercy. God so loves us that he forgave us of all the sins that we have committed against him. We should do likewise.
Matthew 5:7 NCV They are blessed who show mercy to others, for God will show mercy to them..... I picture Mercy and Forgiveness holding hands, like a brother and sister, related to one another. I think a lot about the Mercy God has given me, and I try to remember that when it's my turn to give other's mercy. I also see, how some people have no mercy for others, and it breaks my heart. Wonder what it does to our Heavenly Father's heart, when we show no mercy. Such a sweet and short verse, but yet can change a person life forever. Mercy....could only be created by God.
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