Sunday Schoolisms Plus: #20: How to be Merciful

I have been enjoying the book Lord, Only You Can Change Me, by Kay Arthur. It is a study of the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes. Kay points out that the first four beatitudes deal with our relationship with God and the last four beatitudes deal with our relationship with people. One of those "people beatitudes" is 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'

Here is what Kay Arthur says about being merciful:

"Now let me share with you four practical ways that you can show mercy. To neglect any one of them is to fail to be merciful."

1. When you see a person in need and you can meet his needs, do so. (See James 2: 15-16)

2. Fully forgive anyone who is indebted to you in his behavior or attitude. (See Colossians 3; 12-15)

3. If you are going to be merciful, then you need to give understanding rather than judgment. Ask yourself, "Have I sat where they are living?" (See Ezekiel 3:15 and Luke 6:36-38)

4. Be merciful to the character of others. We all have different personalities, different temperament types. Therefore, you need to be merciful and respond to others in the light of their personality needs.

          Some people need assurance. Give them assurance.
          Some people are insecure. Affirm them.
          Some people are weak. Support them.
          Some people are timid. Encourage them.
          Some people are reserved. Spur them on to love and good works.
             (see 1 Thessalonians 5: 14-15 and Hebrews 10:24)