Kingdom Influence Part 11
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Influence,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
This week in our ‘Kingdom Influence’ series, we are talking about the merciful. In the Kingdom of God, mercy is not merely an occasional act. It is the natural overflow of a heart that has been transformed by the grace of God.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
People who have truly encountered the mercy of God begin to reflect that same mercy toward others. Mercy becomes part of their character. Mercy begins with compassion. It is the ability to see the pain, weakness, and brokenness in another person and respond with tenderness instead of judgment. The merciful person does not ignore wrongdoing or pretend that sin does not matter. Rather, mercy recognizes that every person is a sinner in need of grace.
When we understand our own story before God, mercy becomes possible. We remember that we were once far from Him. We remember that our lives were marked by failure, selfishness, and brokenness. Yet instead of giving us what we deserved, God gave us compassion. He forgave us. He restored us. He welcomed us into His family. That realization changes the way we see other people. Mercy reshapes our relationships. Instead of holding grudges, we learn to forgive. Instead of reacting with harshness, we respond with patience. Instead of writing people off, we remain willing to bear with one another in love.
This is what Paul is describing in Colossians 3.
Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Notice that Paul says we are to put on these virtues, like clothing. Just as we choose what we wear each day, we choose how we will respond to others. When someone disappoints us, mercy chooses patience. When someone wounds us, mercy chooses forgiveness. When someone struggles, mercy chooses compassion. Ultimately, mercy reflects the very heart of God. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly describes Himself as merciful and compassionate. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of that mercy. Jesus stepped into our brokenness, carried our sin, and bore the consequences we deserved so that we could receive forgiveness and life. So when Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful,” He is describing people who have been so deeply shaped by the mercy of God that they begin to extend that same mercy into the world around them.
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.
