Almost every religion has a basic belief that there’s a good god, who lives in a good place and who’s looking for good people. That’s where Christianity departs from all the other religions. Yes, we believe that our God is good and that he dwells in a good place. But God is not looking for good people but rather for sinners. He is looking for sinners who are willing to admit that they do not need a second chance or even help. But rather sinners who admit their guilt and realize that what they need is mercy. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – Matthew 5:7 NIV 

In this verse, Jesus’ use of the words merciful and mercy is an interesting play on words. He says, “Blessed are the merciful.” The word “merciful” only appears two times in the entire New Testament and it has a more general meaning of being compassionate with others. Then he says, “For they will receive mercy”; the word “mercy” has a much broader significance. It not only signifies compassion but that of a divine salvation as well. 

The fact is that mercy is what we most want when our guilt for the wrongs we’ve done is exposed or when we’re in a position or situation in which we can’t help ourselves. But oftentimes mercy is what we least want to extend when the guilt of those who have done us wrong is exposed or when we see others in need. Yet it’s so important that we choose to practice mercy with one another because God blesses the merciful.

Maybe a better way to explain this concept is not interpreting what Jesus said, but allowing Jesus himself to expand upon what he said:

 Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:32-36 NIV