Who are the Merciful?

The Beatitudes Overcome Racism – Part 6 of 9 (scroll down if you wish to read the series in order)

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

 I ask: “What does mercy look like?” 

Scripture reminds me:  
In answer to a question from a Jewish lawyer, Jesus told a story: “a man was attacked by robbers – stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left for dead.  Two Jewish religious leaders saw him but passed by on the other side of the road.  But then a Samaritan came by, saw the man, and took pity on him.  He administered first aid and took him to a nearby inn to give him more care.”  Then Jesus asked the lawyer, “which of the three men was a neighbor to the injured man?”  He answered, “The one who had mercy on him.”  Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:30-35)

I respond: Right!  The Good Samaritan had a heart of compassion for others in need.  He felt the pain and suffering of the beaten man.  He didn’t regard himself as too good to help another with serious needs.  He didn’t weigh the pros and cons of helping this poor man.  Instead, he acted quickly, and with kindness.  He set aside his own schedule.  He used his own resources. 

Scripture reminds me:
“The Lord does not punish us as we deserve or repay us according to our sins and wrongs.”  (Psalm 103:10) 

I respond: Yes!  Jesus forgives our sins even though we do nothing to deserve it.  He frees followers from all hindrances and then empowers them to do good on His behalf.  Since we have received mercy from Him, it is only right that we treat others in the same way. 
For instance: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” and “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[1]

Mother Teresa is the epitome of one who is merciful!  Upon her death, the Pope said about her, “Mercy was the salt which gave flavor to her work, it was the light which shone in the darkness of the many who no longer had tears to shed for their poverty and suffering,” he said, adding, "May she be your model of holiness." 

I ask: “How does mercy fit into the anti-racism movement?”    

Let’s get real! 
First – In my sorrow for the suffering of those affected by racism, I want to extend mercy to them.  I recognize that some things in society work against their well-being – that “equality for all people” is NOT a reality.  I see their needs and seek to learn and understand their lived experiences.  I realize that being merciful means ACTION!  So, I search for effective ways to speak out against systemic racism in my community.  I search for ways to make a difference in someone’s life.  I look to God for direction.  “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Second – In my anger toward the perpetrators of oppression, I don’t want to be merciful.  However, Jesus is merciful to any who see the errors of their ways, so I must also be merciful.  What compassion or kindness can I extend to them?  Only what Jesus does through me.  I pray that perpetrators will see that their racist ways are wrong.  I pray that prejudiced police officers will change their ways – stop racial profiling, carding, and unnecessary excessive force.  I pray that government officials change discriminatory laws and regulations.  I look to God for change as He has the power to change lives! 

With God’s power expressed through us, mercy can overcome racism! 

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[1] Luke 6:27, Romans 12:21