This beatitude strikes a death blow to the heart of pride. The reality is that we all need mercy, because we are all sinners. There is nothing that we can do to earn our way into heaven. And apparently one of the things that we need to do in order to be given the mercy that we desperately need is to show mercy to others. The thing that isn't any fun about this is that it requires you to put yourself in a position where you need to give mercy. The truth is this isn't really that hard, because people need mercy all the time. The trick is actually being able to give that mercy out freely.
So what are we talking about home are talking about mercy? Are we talking about ignoring sin or glossing over it? Absolutely not. Justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive. It is quite merciful to help someone realize the sin in their life and repent of it. Nathan showed David mercy when he did not just cut him off, but hope to guide him to repentance. This is what we are to do for others as well. Ignoring sin and waiting for someone else's inevitable judgment is not mercy at all, no, in reality it is quite cruel.
The key here is how you go about making someone aware of their sin and helping them return to the right path. It is the how that is the difference between mercy and judgment. May we be found merciful, so that we can receive mercy.
Enjoy the Journey
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