Blessed are the Merciful

7Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Thoughts: If there were no law, there would be no mercy.  If there was no judge there would be no mercy.  In some countries when a policeman arrests you then you are convicted and there is no judge to which you could appeal.
There are some who oppose Christianity because it is too legalistic and they see Christians as all hypocrites because we have a standard that we cannot meet.  On the other hand, there are those who oppose Christianity because it is seen as too wishy washy encouraging people to be doormats.  Truth is, Christianity is just right with a mixture of law tinged with a good dose of mercy.
     Jesus takes the harshness out of the Law. He invites us to turn the other cheek.  He takes the road rage out, and sacrifices for us.  For those who cannot understand mercy, they will have a hard time understanding the love of Jesus.
     Jesus showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery that everyone else wanted to stone.  He said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."  He showed mercy in the story of the Prodigal Son.  

     Jesus said as you forgive others you will be forgiven.  As we show mercy- God remembers and shows us mercy.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to be more merciful and gracious to others- especially those that rub me the wrong way, who wrong me, or who do wrong.