Reverse the rule!

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

Earlier this week we talked about the Golden Rule, but I believe there’s another side – something we’ll call the “reverse golden rule.”  The premise is do unto others as has already been done for you.  We’re only able to give something that we’ve received. 

I have to be honest, I’m not able on my own to show mercy.  I don’t know what mercy looks like without Christ.  The world likes to teach us that we should get even and one up the other person, but Christ models an amazing new lifestyle – mercy! 

As we bring another week to a close, it’s probably a good idea to focus our attention on all that God has done for us, all the mercy that he’s shown us.  If we’re going to merciful, if we’re going to show others this amazing new side of ourselves – we’ll need a good model. 

God’s mercy is something that no one deserves, but he still gives it freely!  It’s the idea that we’re not going to get what we deserve.  We’re not perfect and the bible clearly says that anything less than perfection demands payment.  God demonstrated his love for us in this…while we were caught in our lawlessness, while we were still stuck in our imperfections Christ died for us.  He took our punishment.  He paid our price.  He absorbed the blows that were meant for us. 

Now we’re invited to live.  We’re invited to live the real life that God intends.  A life that’s not trapped in the world’s passions and selfish desires, but a world that is caught up in worship, praise, forgiveness, love, mercy and joy!  This is the life that God wants for you and me.  This is the life that pray God brings to us today! 

Lord grant us the ability to live out the mercy you’ve shown us.  Help us to do to others as you’ve so graciously done to us.  Amen.