Jesus. Matthew 5:7. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 6 of 30 Days on the Mount of Blessing. Fascinatingly, this adjective, merciful, is used only one other place in the entire New Testament—Hebrews 2:17–to describe Jesus, our compassionate, gentle-hearted, merciful Intercessor. Those who follow him, will like him, show mercy—toward fellow human beings, and even animals. Mercy—this essential kingdom quality—is shockingly absent today, no matter where you look. Sadly, even the folks wearing ‘I heart God’ T-shirts aren’t proving to be very much like the one they follow, either. What does it look like when mercy defines our actions toward others? How does it change what we say behind their backs? How does it alter the way we treat them when they disappoint us? It is more than just how we approach those suffering in poverty—it’s a orientation of kindness and compassion toward others, period. A tangible, inner awareness that we recognize our shared humanity—and the universal gift of the mercy of God. It acknowledges our own frailty and potential for failure. It is bathed in the awed, humbling awareness that we ourselves benefit daily from the mercy of God and others.
