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

[Devotional] In the 1987 movie, Babette’s Feast, a pastor of a small local church in the fringe of Denmark back in the 19th century often made the following comment in his sermon:

“Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another.”

His remark reminds us of our Lord’s blessing in Matthew 5 when He opened His mouth to say: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

By no means, Christian mercy implies disregarding justice or truth. Our God is holy and it is pleasing for Him to see us holy as well.

At the same time, in pursuit of holiness, there is something we must always take seriously. And that is living the truth and holiness with the warm heart of mercy flaming in us.

Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

To Pharisees who were appalled at the scene of Jesus eating with sinners, this was the remark our Lord made to shake them off their delusion of holiness.

Justice is absolutely necessary. Truth must prevail. Righteousness must stand. However, without mercy, without love, justice can’t really become justice, and the same goes with truth and righteousness.

Living a holy life pleases the Lord. Let us not ‘go easy’ when it comes to strictly discipline ourselves in pursuit of the truth and righteousness. At the same time, let us have the heart of mercy for ourselves and for others when I or others fail.

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