Be Merciful, Even as Your Father Is Merciful

Show mercy to all, for our Father who is in Heaven shows mercy unto us. Our tormentors may lay their hands on us, grieving us to beg relief, but our God will not forget. He will give us comfort during our time of grief.

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

(Luke 6:32-36)

Jesus Christ our Lord, who died for our sins, suffered at the hands of His tormentors. For a brief time, the sky went dark and the clouds turned wet, yet He now sits at the right hand of the Father, sustaining all things through His Word, bestowing grace and mercy to all who call on His name.

What manner of people are we if we give only to those who can give back to us? Should we not instead give freely, expecting nothing in return? For as God gives freely to us, we ought to give freely to others. In the same way, as He is merciful to us, we ought to be merciful unto others.

O how great is our God to have blessed us with the truth of His love. He is so kind and gentle toward us. His mercies never fail. He saved us while we were yet sinners, therefore be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.