In our Lord’s great Sermon on the Mount, the fifth beatitude says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). What is mercy? Why is mercy of such great value in the Christian life?

Mercy is defined as “1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity or benevolence 2. the disposition to be merciful 3. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon or to mitigate punishment 4. an act of kindness, compassion or favor.” (Random House Collegiate Dictionary, p. 836).

In the Christian life, these definitions carry greater significance because such great mercy has been shown to us. The Bible reminds us, “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Do we understand how to demonstrate mercy? Do we realize the great and incomparable value of mercy?

Overlooking a personal transgression shows mercy (Prov. 19:11). This is not simply making a show of your mercy (i.e., making sure everyone knows how merciful you are). It is to truly overlook the transgression—i.e., not mention it, not bring it up, not let it affect your relationship with the transgressor. The value of such true mercy is seen in the reward. For example, those who feel the need to rake every person who crosses them over the coals have their reward (shattered and torn friendships, broken relationships, distrust, anger, etc.). Whereas, those who choose to show mercy will thereby obtain mercy when they need it most. Mark these words, every single one of us will find ourselves in need of mercy (Heb. 4:16)!

Likewise, doing good for those who wrong you is an act of mercy (Rom. 12:17-21). It is easy to do good to those who do good to you. Even the carnal man understands this. What sets a spiritual man (i.e., merciful man) apart is his ability to do right in the face of a wrong (Luke 6:32-25). The motive is not to see them suffer in the flames of your “niceness.” The motive is to overcome evil with good. If mercy cannot be practiced with cheerfulness, it is not really mercy (cf. Rom. 12:8). The obvious side effect is that they will feel the shame of their own wicked behavior because of your good example. Such behavior has even led souls to Christ. Indeed, I can imagine no benefit of greater value!

Making judgments regarding circumstances and situations in our life requires mercy (Jas. 2:13). Sometimes these judgments involve our fellow man directly. Giving the benefit of the doubt (though they don’t deserve it) is a way of showing mercy, whereas thinking the worst of someone (though they might deserve it) can be unmerciful. Which would you rather receive when you are in the hot seat? Mercy will shine brightest when the outcome seems darkest!

At this point, a word of caution is in order. One must be careful to consider the delicate balance between showing mercy and enabling someone to sin. We must always be careful not to be more merciful than God (think about it)!

Of course, no article on mercy would be complete without the example of one being merciful to those who can’t help themselves (i.e., the Good Samaritan — Luke 10:29-37). Ask yourself, was the Good Samaritan’s mercy done for reward or did it cost him something? Did the good Samaritan have to think about what was in it for him? The Good Samaritan did what he did because it was the right thing to do! The fact of the matter is, the truest and greatest acts of mercy come with the greatest cost, and are often done without thought of reward!

I believe the wise man summed the value of mercy best when he wrote, "The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh" (Prov. 11:17). May we all come to understand the infinite value of mercy!