I am sure that the saying, “it is better to give than receive” is one that most if not all have heard. Christmas is known as the giving season. With that in mind, my study this morning makes wonderful sense to me.

“⁷Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 (ESV)

This morning I was brought again to “The Beatitudes” where I have studied a number of times. Specifically I was brought to the above as I am in a study of the word “mercy”. I see that in the verse, Jesus indicates that first we are to give mercy. In a society where blessing are celebrated through social media, Jesus tells me that the first step to receiving blessings is to give blessings to others.

Mercy does not seem much like a blessing to me. So I am to offer up the idea of not persecuting someone for what they have done to me or others? Well it seems as though it is a reward for bad behavior to give them a reprieve from the consequences of their actions. But that is not what Jesus is saying as I think about it. He is saying that I have to show them love and compassion, even in the midst of the bad actions they have embarked on.

“³⁴And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.” — Luke 23:34 (ESV)

Those that commit the acts are still accountable for their committing them. They are still liable for the consequences of their actions and deeds. My role is not to condemn them as I am not to pass judgment, I am to love them and show them the compassion and mercy that comes only from God. Once I have given mercy, I have completed my role in the ordeal and I will move on to the next as God designs for me.

But, what shall I receive in return? I or someone was wronged and I offered up forgiveness and love and compassion and simply overlooked the action that was committed. Yes, I have, and does not forget me. See that is the purpose of this “Beatitude”, I am blessed by the Father thanks to my obedience and love and compassion and mercy. I have loved and the Father loves me back. I have given and I shall receive.

The LORD does not leave me out there to give and give and give without the benefit of that giving. The thing is, what I receive may not be what I want. I will receive love and compassion in return. I have sinned and will continue to do so. I have been receiving the love and compassion from the LORD for my entire life and this was my chance to give. I will continue receiving from my Savior and I should continue giving as He does.

I am not saying that there is some sort of quid pro quo in the realm of mercy. What I am say is that in following Jesus, I will be blessed for doing as He does and providing mercy to others. I will be blessed with mercy as I provide mercy for others.

What are your thoughts as relate to giving of mercy? Are you willing to give love and compassion to those who have done wrong with no expectation of any thing in return? What if we approached mercy from the perspective of giving, knowing that what we give we will also receive?