Blessed are the Merciful

Jesus commanded us to be merciful. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. These relational terms require God-centered thinking, which results in Christ-like behavior. 

Most of our relationships in life are transactional. A transactional relationship is one that is based on reciprocity and needs where both parties expect to receive something in return for their investment.  If I behave in this manner, you will reciprocate my investment with another desired behavior. These relationships are based on the idea that I give only expecting something in return. Affection, love, respect, and value are earned, and there must be intentional investment to sustain the relationship. In transactional relationships, love is earned, and payback for wrongs is always expected. The Eastern religious concept of Karma is always present. But this is the opposite of giving mercy. 

Jesus invites his disciples to invest in a Kingdom economy. Because God has given in abundance, we should give to others expecting nothing in return, even when they harm or mistreat us. The merciful reject the transactional relationship model and live in a Kingdom of God, practicing merciful behavior where we don’t give what others deserve.