Four Reasons God Wants You to Show Mercy
By Rick Warren
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NLT)
Have you ever noticed that if you’re critical with others, they’re critical with you? If you’re kind to others, they’re kind to you? Or if you’re generous with others, then they’re generous with you? Whatever you give in life, you’re going to get in return.
The same is true with God’s mercy.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT).
But why does God want you to show mercy to others? Why is being merciful so important?
Because God has shown you mercy.
Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT). God wants you to pass on the mercy that you’ve received from him.
Because God commands you to be merciful.
Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW).
Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future.
You’re going to make a lot of mistakes between now and when you get to heaven, and you’re going to need God’s mercy. But you cannot receive what you are unwilling to give. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).
Because showing mercy brings or causes happiness.
Matthew 5:7 says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy,” so the more you learn and demonstrate this quality, the happier and more blessed you’re going to be.
Because so many people in the world are living for themselves, showing mercy and grace to others will always stand out. Be known for your mercy as you model for others how good God has been to you, and you will make an eternal difference!
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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