What Does It Take?

God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 

 

In 1187, Saladin and his army of Saracens captured Jerusalem from the Crusaders after a long and bitter siege.  Now, you have to understand, the Crusaders had a reputation and habit of killing their Saracen captives, while the Saracens, for the most part, were hospitable toward their captives. As the victor, Saladin had every right to do whatever he wished to his captives, especially the Crusaders.  The people of Jerusalem figured they would be killed.  However, they were astounded and amazed when Saladin allowed them to leave unharmed.  As a matter of fact, he provided an escort for them to safety.  Saladin showed that undeserved compassion and care, neither demanding or expecting anything in return.

 

How often do we do good things for others, secretly hoping there will be some reward?  Do we openly do good so we can be seen?  Do we do good only to those who will sing our praises to others?  Why?  Jesus tells us that God blesses those who are merciful and will show mercy to them.  What does that mean?  Think about this, God blesses us each day by allowing us to be part of it, and He does it because He WANTS to do it.  Does He have to do it? NOPE!  Is there ANYTHING we can do to repay Him for being merciful? NOPE!  God shows us mercy knowing full well we have no way to return the mercy.

 

I admire Rescue Groups who make it their mission to rescue animals that have been injured, abused, mistreated, or abandoned.  Why do they do it?  Because it's a good thing to be merciful to these animals.  What do they get in return?  Most times, getting to see the animal placed into a loving home.  But more than that, they receive the gratitude from the animal who has no other way to repay than with their love.  God is merciful to us, shouldn't we at least show Him our love and gratitude?