Happy are the Kind and Merciful

In review of Matthew 5:7 it says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Bottom Line:

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

What this means to me:

I can be happier by being kind and merciful in my interactions with others. If I do, God will show mercy to me.

Today's verse comes from Matthew 5 and is part of the beatitudes given by Jesus on the sermon on the mount. In it Jesus tells us the kinds of things that God blesses, one of which is mercy. For God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God’s mercy is covenantal (an agreement, usually formal, to do something specific) loyalty in action. Throughout Scripture are promises that His mercy is renewed each morning. It seems God really loves mercy.

One translation of this verse tells me that my life will be happier by being kind and merciful in my interactions with others. This kind of loyalty and compassion begins at home and something that I should be encouraged to do within my oikos (close family and friends.) However it should just end there, I should then extend that same mercy out into the streets, into my job, my neighbors, and to those around who are hurting and in need of help.