In Matthew 5:7 Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Merciful means having compassion or kind-heartedness toward others. Psalm 37:23-26 says, “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…He is ever merciful and lends…” In Psalm 117:2, “His (God’s) merciful kindness is great toward us…” (Cf. Psalm 100:5)
To be merciful, we must help those in need. In Matthew 25:31-46, God at the end of time will separate the sheep (Christians) and goats (those who think they know Jesus). Salvation is NEVER based on works, “for by grace you have been saved through faith… not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, NOT of works, lest any man should boast…” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Nevertheless, we will be rewarded for our good works on earth, while in heaven. This judgment is based on moral character, doing charitable deeds or good works towards others or the lack of them. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10) Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, 45, “inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to Me.” When we help others in need, we are ministering to Jesus! (Psalm 25:9-10; Matthew 7:21-23)
Jesus is our example, “He was a merciful and faithful High Priest…” (Hebrews 2:17-18) Since He experienced human life, Jesus understands the needs of people being sleepy, hungry, and hurt, etc. He never was selfish but always kind and compassionate, looking out for others. More than that, Jesus died on the Cross in our sins and bore the wrath of the Father against sin so that we never have to bear God’s judgment. When we are in sin, we need to look to Jesus for forgiveness which He will give when we are truly repentant.
How can we prove that we know God?
(1 John 2:3-6; 3:24; 4:7, 11-13; John 8:31; 14:21, 23; 15:4-5, 10)
What do we need to do in life that would give us benefits beyond our imagination?
(Isaiah 58:7-14; Matthew 25:35-40; cf. James 2:14-26
How does God want us to treat those who are against us?
Luke 6:27, 31, 35-38