Blessed in Mercy
Daily Rays of Hope #139
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. - Matthew 5:7
There is a divine principle of sowing and reaping that weaves its way through the word. The principle of giving and knowing that you will receive is something that we are taught as believers when it comes to finances and tithing. However, there is also a scripture in Luke 6:38 which gives us this same sowing and reaping principle when it comes to forgiving others and giving grace to one another:
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 NIV
This scripture explicitly discusses the withholding of condemnation and judgment and encourages granting forgiveness and mercy to others (Luke 6:36-38). Verse 38 becomes the warning and the blessing that when you give, it will be given to you. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over.
The mercy that you grant to others will return as the mercy that is granted to you. So blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. This is a teaching directly from the mouth of Jesus. This isn't merely speculation or a feel-good word. There's a direct correlation between you granting mercy to others and receiving mercy for yourself.
The old adage of doing unto others as you would have others do unto you comes to the forefront with this scripture. God desires to bless you and be merciful towards you. Granting mercy to others keeps the doors open to the blessing of you receiving the same from God.
1. Choose Grace Over Judgment
Extend mercy intentionally in moments of offense. Every day presents opportunities where we can either judge others harshly or extend grace. Whether someone cuts you off in traffic, responds with rudeness, or fails to meet your expectations, you have a choice to react in frustration or respond with mercy. Choosing grace does not mean approving of wrongdoing. It means releasing others from the judgment you feel they deserve, just as God releases you from what you rightfully deserve. As Luke 6:37 reminds us, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Extend mercy daily, and you will build a life filled with peace and compassion.
2. Practice Reflective Forgiveness
Recall God’s mercy toward you as motivation to forgive others. Forgiveness becomes more natural when we reflect on the forgiveness we have received from God. Spend time in prayer or journaling to remember specific instances when God extended mercy toward you. Let that gratitude soften your heart toward those who have hurt or disappointed you. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Mercy flows more freely when it begins in remembrance. When you forgive, you participate in a divine cycle of grace that keeps your own heart light and open to God's blessings.
3. Create a Culture of Mercy in Your Relationships
Lead with compassion in your home, workplace, and community. Being merciful is not a one-time act. It is a lifestyle that reshapes how you engage with others. Make room for others’ weaknesses. Uplift those who are down. Show patience when others struggle to grow. Speak with words that heal instead of hurt. James 2:13 reminds us that “mercy triumphs over judgment.” When you build relationships rooted in mercy, you become a safe place for healing, and that same mercy circles back to you in unexpected and abundant ways. Living mercifully builds a legacy of love that reflects the heart of God.
As you walk out this verse, remember: mercy is not weakness. It is the power to release others in the same way God has released you. And in doing so, you open your life to receive the rich mercy that only He can give.