Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them. He said:

⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Mercy.  It’s one of those words we use a lot in church.  We quote scriptures about God’s mercy, we speak together a common prayer of confession and celebrate our forgiveness, an act of God’s mercy.  Yet, are we showing mercy to others, or even ourselves?

Jesus tells us directly that the merciful will be shown mercy.  He also says “forgive us as we forgive others.”  These are not just miscellaneous scripture verses, they all connect to Jesus’ ministry – one of love, forgiveness, restoration and mercy, and He calls us to the same ministry.

During this Lenten season, look within and see if you are showing mercy to others – to the one who cut you off in traffic, or the one who said something questionable, or someone who just needs extra grace.  And see if you are showing yourself mercy as well.

Be blessed this week,

Pastor Bill