Why Should You Be Merciful?

Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT).

In other words, what you give, you’re going to get. You’ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy if you want God’s blessing on your life.

But why does God expect you to show mercy to others? Why should you be merciful? 

1. Because God has shown you mercy.

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT).

God wants you to pass on the mercy that you’ve received from him.

2. Because God commands you to be merciful.

Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW).

3. Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future.

Between now and when you get to heaven, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes—and you’ll need God’s mercy when you do! But you cannot receive what you are unwilling to give. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).

4. Because showing mercy brings or leads to happiness.

Matthew 5:7 says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy,” so the more you learn and demonstrate this quality, the more blessed and happier you’re going to be.