Be Merciful

Be Merciful

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36 

It’s natural to show kindness and mercy to family and friends. We should do this, but a Christian is asked to do more. The verse above says we are to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” The verse just before this says, “he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” God’s standard compels us to show kindness and mercy even to those who oppose us, even to our enemies. 

Jesus prefaced His command to be merciful, just as our heavenly Father is merciful with these words: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31).

Obeying these commands does not come naturally to us. It requires the supernatural, transformative power of God working in us. But it’s critically important to our witness for Christ. It’s a picture of love staring into the face of hate and not hating back. 

I am regularly inspired by stories of Christian brothers and sisters from around the world who are suffering severe persecution for their faith and who are showing kindness and offering forgiveness to those who are ridiculing and beating them. As these brothers and sisters testify, there is no greater evidence of God’s love in us. Many persecutors of Christians admit to being astounded by the mercy shown to them by those they are persecuting, and many have come to faith themselves through this powerful witness. May we too learn to love our enemies and may we show them mercy and pray for their salvation. 

Are you following God’s lead in being merciful?