Notes of Faith February 17, 2025
Mercy Given, Mercy Received
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
The phrase “an eye for an eye” is often heard in cultural conversation where retaliation is being justified. The phrase is biblical, being found in Exodus 21:22-25—but its purpose was not to justify retaliation but to limit it. In other words, punishment was to be limited to what was appropriate in light of the damages incurred. But in Jesus’ day, the Exodus standard was being used to justify retaliation instead of forgiveness.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raised the standard when it comes to responding to those who have injured us. Instead of retaliating with vengeance, Jesus said we should forgive those who have harmed us. Yes, wrongdoing deserves a response. But Scripture teaches that we are to leave judgment to God and our response should be one of mercy and forgiveness (Romans 12:19-20). The best way to think about mercy is the withholding of punishment that is deserved. Jesus said the merciful will be blessed by receiving mercy themselves.
Look for an opportunity to show mercy toward someone who may not deserve it—the same mercy that God has shown toward us by forgiving our sins.
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
Abraham Lincoln
Matt 6:14-15
14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Even many of those who are Scripture readers (daily), tend to skip over things in their mind that are not as pleasant as other things that they read. The Scripture above for instance…if you forgive others…then God will forgive you. This should change our behavior drastically. But does it? Do we remember that these words are in the Scriptures? Forgiveness and sacrifice are a part of love that we all are called to be. Yes, be love, as God is love. If every thought and act is through love, we will be merciful, forgiving, and loving. Let us be more like Jesus who suffered much in mocking, hate, and even death from those who did not know Him, yet He loved them asking God the Father to forgive them. Can we not forgive those who hurt us in some way as Jesus did? Is it easy? No! But if we want to increase in spiritual maturity and be like Christ then this must be our pursuit. Let us love, forgive, sacrifice and be merciful always.
Pastor Dale