When my 10-year-old grandson, William, was staying with my husband, Joe, and me this past week, as he usually does, he began telling us about an experience he had when he was in the first grade. One of his classmates told their teacher that Will had used "a bad word." Knowing that it was a lie, my grandson panicked and did his best to convince his teacher and his other classmates that it wasn't true. However, none of the other kids spoke up for Will, even though they knew that he was innocent. Instead of giving my grandson the benefit of the doubt, his teacher punished him for the offense. She made him sit in a corner of the room all by himself, while all of the other children busily went about creating Valentine's Day cards for each other. Before my husband and I could respond to Will's heartbreaking story, our grandson began singing the praises of his first-grade teacher. It was obvious that he loved her and thought the world of her, and he wanted us to know it. What was Will doing? He was extending mercy to the teacher who had deeply hurt him, and who had treated him unfairly.

Will's experience makes me think of Jesus' words, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7 NIV) One thing that most Christians miss is the fact that our Savior doesn't just want us to show mercy to others so that THEY can be blessed. He wants us to show mercy because He knows that there are great earthly and heavenly rewards waiting for US when we continually walk in love and forgiveness. The Amplified translation of this verse says, "Blessed [content, sheltered by God's promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy." Hallelujah! Do you want to be "content"? Show mercy!

Do you long to be "sheltered by God's promises"? Show mercy! God is saying that when we are merciful when others don't deserve mercy, we are abiding in a place of divine peace, protection, and provision. So be generous with your mercy. And watch the blessings of God's promises chase you down and overtake you!

Prayer: Lord, You instruct us to "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36 NIV) So please give me a heart of mercy like Yours. When others treat me unjustly, or hurt me in any way, help me to respond in a Christlike manner. Remind me often that Your Word says that "Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13 NIV) Thank You that as I extend the mercy of God to others, I will experience the fullness of Your promised blessings!