Sermon XXII - The Various Workings of Mercy in the Heart - Matthew 5:7
prosperity of others, I, as a merciful person, have compassion and pity for the misery of others. For my part, I thank God for my comfortable circumstances, for I lack nothing and have everything my heart desires. However, the saints around me are in distress. Oh, how I wish I could assist those who are suffering! The miseries of others evoke sensitivity and compassion in the hearts of the merciful saints.
Now, you may ask, what distinguishes the mercy of a truly gracious person from the mercy of others, such as the Papists and the Heathens who also display mercy and compassion? In the general description of mercy I provided, I mentioned that it is a grace of God's Spirit that compels a person's mercy towards those in distress.
SERMON XXII
OR The Various Workings of Mercy in the Heart "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
Our task now is to reveal: First, the various workings of mercy in the heart. Secondly, the motives for it. Thirdly, the object of mercy.
Fourthly, the gracious manner in which mercy operates. Then, we shall delve into the promise made to the merciful, that they shall receive mercy.
Regarding the various workings of mercy in the heart, they are as follows:
1. The initial act of mercy, upon noticing the miseries of others, is to grieve for them. Compassion arises towards those in distress.
A merciful person does not disregard or despise the sufferings of others. They do not believe that the miseries of others do not concern them. Instead, they perceive these miseries as personally relevant. Their hearts are deeply moved by the sufferings of others.
2. From this compassion springs a fervent desire to alleviate their suffering. "Oh, if only I knew how to relieve and assist those who are in any form of distress, be it physical or spiritual!"
3. The heart becomes deeply concerned with finding ways to offer help. It not only wishes and desires to assist but also engages in thoughtful contemplation. The merciful person reflects upon how they can be of help to those in misery. Proverbs 14:22 beautifully captures this: "Mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good." Here, we find a description of the merciful person and the promise of mercy to them. They actively devise good and continuously ponder ways in which they can be instrumental in aiding those in dire circumstances. While a covetous person contemplates how to benefit themselves or make a profitable deal, a merciful person contemplates how they can distribute and do good. This represents the third act of mercy—an earnest and thoughtful consideration.
4. A timely application of mercy follows. The merciful person does not keep their mercy confined to their thoughts alone. Instead, they employ all that they possess for the benefit of those in misery. Whether they possess wealth, talents, friends, physical
strength, or even if they are poor and destitute with nothing but their prayers, they find a way to utilize all that they have to assist those in need. A merciful person does not view the good things given to them by God solely for their own enjoyment but as resources to be employed for the public good as much as possible. This constitutes the fourth aspect—an attentive and purposeful implementation.
5. The act of mercy includes being willing to give abundantly for the sake of others. The merciful person is prepared to part with much of what they possess for the betterment of others. They are willing to lend a hand or provide assistance, but most importantly, they are willing to relinquish their possessions.
They recognize that their possessions are their own, yet they view them as stewards rather than personal treasures.
Consequently, if they perceive that the Lord or their fellow human beings require their possessions, they willingly part with them, guided by the desire to bring glory to God and do good.
This exemplifies the fifth quality—a readiness to give generously.
6. The merciful person is also inclined to forgive those who have offended them. They possess great compassion in this regard.
Even if they witness ingratitude or unworthiness in those who need their mercy, they still extend mercy and overlook their shortcomings.
7. Mercy tempers justice temporarily. While it does not obstruct justice from eventually receiving its due recognition, mercy intercedes when justice is on the verge of striking its blow. In such instances, mercy, like the mercy of God, pleads, "Lord, spare, spare a little longer." Just as the angel intervened when
Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice Isaac, divine mercy pauses
justice from fully exerting its power. Similarly, human mercy restrains justice and strives to find alternative solutions where the offender can be spared without compromising justice. It seeks to moderate the consequences of justice to the greatest extent possible.
8. Lastly, mercy impels one to place oneself in the same condition as those who are in distress, whether it be poverty, pain, or any other kind of suffering. Mercy urges one to empathize and identify with the suffering of others. Though they may enjoy comfort and abundance, merciful individuals recognize that these blessings hold little value as long as others endure hardship. They ponder how they would feel if they were in the same predicament and strive to treat others as they would want to be treated. Thus, they embody true mercy. This marks the final quality—a willingness to stand alongside the suffering.
These are the various workings of merciful hearts.
Secondly, when mercy is a product of God's grace and not merely a natural inclination found in unregenerate individuals, mercy arises from gracious motives. When the heart acts mercifully in a gracious manner, it is driven by these motives and sustains its compassionate actions.
Firstly, the soul perceives God as the God of mercy and recognizes the excellence of mercy in God Himself. The vitality of mercy in God touches the depths of His compassion towards His suffering creatures. Thus, if I am a child of God, why should I not also be moved to compassion? Why should there not be a resemblance between myself and the God I profess to be my Father?
Secondly, I myself am in constant need of mercy. I depend on mercy for my daily sustenance, for it is mercy that upholds me and keeps me from the depths of hell. It is mercy that provides for me.
Therefore, if I require such mercy to survive, why should I not show mercy towards others?
Thirdly, I not only need mercy, but I have received mercy. The Lord has shown mercy to me—mercy towards my body, mercy towards my soul. I have experienced preemptive mercy, delivering mercy, healing mercy, comforting mercy, and saving mercies of all kinds in times of distress. I have cried out, and the Lord has shown pity and come to my aid. Now, having received such abundant mercy, it is only fitting that I extend mercy towards my brethren.
Fourthly, when the mercy of God stems from grace, it arises from contemplating the mercy of God in Christ. It is not merely recognizing that God is merciful and has shown mercy in general providence, but it involves looking at the mercy of God in Christ—the tender mercies of God in Christ. While a person in a natural state may come to acknowledge and know that God is merciful, a merciful person who perceives God's mercy towards them in Jesus Christ demonstrates genuine mercy. Through Christ, the concentrated beams of God's mercy converge like a burning glass, warming the heart. Just as scattered sunlight brings light, glory, and warmth, the beams of God's mercy in general providence can warm people's hearts and evoke natural compassion. However, when our mercy arises from contemplating the mercy of God in Jesus Christ—a burning glass of mercy—it profoundly warms and enlarges the heart of a merciful person. This represents true mercy, surpassing that of a natural person.
Fifthly, the consideration of my unworthiness also plays a role. I have received mercy, not just ordinary mercy, but mercy in Christ, despite my unworthiness. Why has God made a distinction between me and others? What has caused such disparity that one person is poor while I possess a comfortable estate? Some of you may have arrived in the city with barely anything and have witnessed how God has elevated you to a position of wealth. If the grace of mercy is at work within you, the contemplation of your unworthiness, that God has made a distinction out of free grace and not due to anything in yourselves, greatly expands your capacity for mercy.
Sixthly, further consideration is given to the relationship between those in misery and God. Even if it is a creature, it still bears some relation to God. Every creature, even a brute animal, is a creation of God and thus has a connection to Him as the work of His hands.
However, if it is a human being, especially a Christian, or even more so, a saint, the relationship to God is much more significant. For those who are merciful in a gracious manner, this relationship and the individual's state of misery become powerful motivators, moving them with a compassion that surpasses natural pity.
Seventhly, the recognition that through acts of mercy, I will bring honour to God drives me to engage in such compassionate actions. It is not merely about helping those in distress or gaining a good reputation; it is about honouring God through the exercise of mercy.
This is what compels my heart.
Lastly, there is an inherent love for the exercise of mercy itself and love for those in misery, regardless of whether they are strangers.
This love works within a merciful heart, inspiring them to act with compassion. These are the motives that set a merciful person in motion on the path of mercy.
Regarding the object of mercy, a brief word is necessary (as it was hinted at in the discussion of the relationship between a thing and God). We are called to show mercy.
Firstly, a good person shows mercy even to their beast. Look at your animal and consider that there is not much difference between you and it. You are made from the same material, and God could have made you the vilest creature, like a toad. Therefore, God expects that you treat His creatures, in which He has an interest, with mercy and not cruelty.
Secondly, we are called to show mercy to all of humanity. If you cannot give to a specific individual, at least give to humanity as a whole. Do not allow them to perish, except in certain cases where
Scripture dictates that others should perish if they persist obstinately in wickedness. For instance, Scripture states that those who refuse to work should not eat. Or, in the realm of justice, God wills that wicked people perish in their sin. However, apart from those circumstances, unless it is a matter of justice, we should have compassion for wicked individuals when the hand of God brings misery upon them. It is true that a time will come when the saints will be so consumed with love for God that they will no longer feel compassion towards wicked people. They will have no form of compassion for them in the future when it is fully revealed that they are reprobates, and it will be eternally glorious for God to withdraw all mercy from them. But in the present world, we should have pity on them because, although they are presently wicked, we do not know if they may ultimately belong to God and be vessels of His mercy. Even the most wicked blasphemer or morally depraved individual may be set apart by God to be a vessel of mercy, to the glory of His free grace. Therefore, since we do not yet know otherwise, mercy should be extended towards them, with compassion for their souls and bodies.
Thirdly, we are to be especially merciful to those in terms of their souls. Many individuals possess compassionate hearts towards others when they see them in poverty, destitution, and on the brink of starvation. However, some of these compassionate individuals show no concern for the souls of others. True mercy extends towards the soul first and then towards the body.
Fourthly, the object of mercy is such that the less guilt someone has in their misery, the more they should be pitied. For example, when someone falls into misery solely due to God's intervention and not because of their own wickedness, great mercy should be shown to them. I admit that even if people fall into misery due to their own wickedness, they must not be left to perish, except in cases where legal proceedings and justice demand it. However, if their misery is solely caused by the hand of God and not their own wrongdoing, much mercy should be extended to them. For instance, if their estate is swept away by a providential event like a fire or the actions of wicked individuals, and it is not their fault, and they have lived conscientiously, they deserve abundant mercy.
But above all, while we are to do good to everyone, our mercy should be particularly shown to the household of faith, to fellow believers, as God shows the most mercy to them. However, it is sufficient to mention the objects of mercy.
Regarding the gracious manner of showing mercy to those in misery, mercy must possess certain qualities.
Firstly, I must never be so merciful as to go against any principles of justice. There must be a harmonious relationship between the two.
Note how they are interconnected. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, which includes not only the righteousness of Christ but also righteousness between individuals. Blessed are the
merciful. We must be merciful while still upholding righteousness.
Grace involves a blessed blend of the two. Although one vice may be contrary to another, one grace is never contrary to another. Justice and mercy are never opposed to one another. They can coexist in a gracious mixture. I can be a merciful person and still hunger for righteousness to prevail in the world. This should be the primary consideration in the gracious manner of showing mercy.
Secondly, I must be merciful in such a way that it does not harm those to whom I intend to show mercy, or harm others through them. For example, showing mercy to someone in a manner that hardens them in their evil ways is not a gracious act; it is foolish compassion. Similarly, showing mercy to one person in a way that harms others is not righteous. Many times, mercy may be shown to one individual but result in cruelty towards many others. In Psalm
112:5, the Holy Spirit describes a merciful person as one who guides their affairs with discretion. They demonstrate wisdom in their acts of mercy, considering the poor and guiding their affairs with prudence.
Thirdly, in the exercise of mercy, there must be simplicity of heart.
Romans 12:8 states, "He who gives, let him do it with simplicity."
You may wonder about the meaning of this.
Firstly, I must not have any hidden or selfish motives in my giving. I must do it sincerely and without any ulterior motives. Many people are charitable and perform good deeds, but they have hidden motives that serve their own interests.
Secondly, sincerity means not showing partiality in the way I extend mercy. God expects me to show mercy to one person more than another according to reason, but not to be merciful in a partial manner. This means that even if others are equally in need of my
mercy and deserve it just as much, I should not let my personal biases determine the course of my mercy. Doing so would be lacking in sincerity.
Lastly, when we show mercy, we must offer it up to God for acceptance through Jesus Christ. We should present our mercy in Jesus Christ so that it may be accepted by God. We can see a wonderful example of this in Nehemiah, one of the most merciful men mentioned in scripture. Yet, he pleads to be accepted in mercy for the failings he had in showing that mercy. In the text, it says,
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." They will receive mercy for the shortcomings they may have in their acts of mercy. Therefore, we can see who this merciful person is.
Now, let's explore why this merciful person is blessed. In Proverbs 22:9, it says, "He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." Allow me to explain the blessedness of this merciful person in these specific aspects.
Firstly, when God wants to describe a truly godly person, He calls them a merciful person. In Psalm 32:6, it is mentioned that "every one that is godly" will pray to God. In the original text, they are referred to as "kind men." Godly men are often denoted by their kindness. Therefore, wherever we encounter the terms "godly" and "saints" in the Old Testament, they are synonymous with merciful individuals. This indicates that mercy is an essential aspect of godliness. Similarly, in James 3:17, it is mentioned that wisdom from above is "full of mercy and good fruits." Mercy is thus a significant component of righteousness and sanctification.
Secondly, the merciful person is blessed because they possess a quality that is close to God's heart and reveals His excellence and glory. Nothing in a saint is closer to God than the disposition of
mercy. God takes pride in His mercy, exalting Himself through it. He is known as the merciful God. In Exodus 25, the mercy seat is elevated above everything else so that it may be seen. Scripture states that God delights in mercy. Therefore, a person who displays a merciful disposition, which is dear to God, is undoubtedly blessed.
Thirdly, the merciful person is blessed because they are recipients of numerous precious promises. While it is impossible to mention all these promises, there are several passages that highlight the blessedness of the merciful person. Proverbs 11:25 states that the generous soul will be made fat, and the one who waters others will also be watered. Psalm 112:9 describes the one who disperses and gives to the poor, stating that their righteousness endures forever, and their horn shall be exalted with honor. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, it is declared that God is able to make all grace abound toward the merciful, providing them with sufficiency in all things so that they may abound in every good work. These passages demonstrate the abundance of blessings that await the merciful person.
Fourthly, the merciful person is blessed because they receive the blessings and prayers of those in misery whom they have helped. The blessings of the poor are upon the merciful person. Their prayers are heard, and they are praised by the widows whose hearts sing for joy due to their generosity. Job 29:13 states, "The blessing of him who was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." The merciful person is esteemed by those they have aided, who bless God for sending such a person to assist them in their distress. In the text, it is mentioned that they shall obtain mercy, which is a unique privilege. Even if we had no other scriptural encouragement for this duty, the promise of obtaining mercy alone should suffice. We may fear that by showing mercy, we may end up in need ourselves, becoming impoverished. However, in Proverbs
11:25, it is stated, "The generous soul will be made fat." This expression may seem paradoxical, as we often believe that one becomes fat by being stingy. Yet, Scripture assures us that the generous person will be enriched. Showing mercy results in not only receiving mercy but also having our own needs abundantly supplied.
Fifthly, all the good we possess originates from God's mercy. There is no goodness that we enjoy in any creature that does not stem from God's mercy. God says, "You have a merciful disposition. Are you merciful? Do you do good to others? Do you have compassion for those in distress? Are you in need yourself? Here is My mercy to help you, here is My mercy to pardon you." It is noteworthy that God works in those whom He intends to save so that they become like
Him. They undergo a transformation that aligns them with God's will in all things. For example, those whom God has elected for glory will choose Him in due time. Those whom God intends to justify through Jesus Christ will justify Him and His ways. Those whom God has separated for future glory will be separated from the world in the present. And those whom God intends to show mercy to will possess merciful dispositions. If God has given you a merciful heart, you can be assured that God will show mercy to you in the end. Therefore, blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy. They will receive forgiveness for their sins and be blessed in their souls. This promise is fruitful and blessed, for we all need mercy in our distress. None of us who enjoy the comforts of this world are exempt from the need for mercy. When we find ourselves in a condition where we require mercy, we can be sure that God will extend His mercy to us because
He has instilled merciful dispositions within us towards those in misery.
Sixthly, in this very aspect, you have a powerful encouragement and help for your faith. Mercy is your own disposition, so you can rely on
God's mercy without presuming. When you, with a merciful and loving disposition, extend your kindness to the saints in their distress, it is not presumptuous for you to rely on God's mercy in your own difficulties. When you are about to believe, what stumbling block lies in your way? A poor soul might ask, "Can a wretched creature like me receive mercy from God? Will the Lord ever look upon me?" Lord, you may answer as follows: "You have instilled in me a disposition to show mercy to those in misery. If there is but a single drop of mercy in me to extend compassion to others, is there not an infinite ocean of mercy in you, Lord? Is it not much easier for you to show mercy to me when, through that small drop of mercy within me, you have already touched my heart with mercy towards others?" This perspective serves as a powerful aid against temptations and discouragements when embracing God's mercy. The mercy we possess is merely a drop from the fountain that is in God.
Our mercy, if it is genuine and spiritual (as described earlier), is an effect and fruit of the mercy that resides in God Himself. Lord, it is easier for you to show mercy to my soul than for me to show pity to those in misery. Lord, the misery in others demands more from us to alleviate, compared to your Majesty relieving us. Lord, in showing mercy, you lose nothing, for your mercy is infinite, and you lose nothing. On the other hand, when we show mercy, we give something of ourselves, even though it is what we receive from God.
Therefore, it is easier for God to show mercy.
Lastly, consider that nothing keeps people in bondage and the terrors of conscience for sin longer than their unyielding disposition towards those in misery. Therefore, blessed are those who are merciful and possess a gentle disposition, for this will be a means to alleviate the inward throbs and terrors of conscience. We often draw conclusions such as, "Surely the Lord will never be merciful to me.
How can God show mercy to such a wretch as I am? I am so stubborn
and hard-hearted that I cannot show mercy or forgive those in misery. How then can the Lord forgive me, who has wronged Him more than anyone has wronged me, and yet I cannot forgive them or let go of those wrongs?" But you, with a merciful heart, may think as follows: "Lord, must I have a heart to forgive seven times, yes, seventy times seven? And Lord, can't You do much more for me?
Must I forgive my brother seventy times seven times in a day if he offends me? Can't You forgive much more? This is a great help to faith and prayer, that the Lord would show mercy to us in our difficulties and provide help in times of trouble." Psalm 112:6-7 states, "Surely he shall not be moved forever. The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Whatever circumstances may arise, the merciful person will not fear them. The days may be dark and troubles may loom large, but the merciful person will not be afraid. Evil tidings will not frighten the merciful person. There is a famous passage in Isaiah 58:7-8 that describes the manner of fasting, both negatively and positively. It shows what they did in their false humiliations and then proceeds to say that if they do certain things,
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'" God will respond, saying, "Listen, a merciful person cries out!
There is someone in distress calling out to Me. I must come down and listen to this person's request. I must go and see what the matter is. A merciful person is crying out." God will say, "Here I am. Call upon Me. What do you need?" It is a merciful person who cries out, and God will respond, saying, "Here I am." Verse 10 states, "Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday." Verse 11 continues, "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your
bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." If you complain about spiritual deadness and barrenness, the reason may be that you have a harsh and cruel disposition. However, the merciful can go to God and plead their case, saying, "Lord, I showed mercy to my brethren in their distress, and my mercy was in obedience to Your command. Therefore, Lord, hear me."
To make an application of this point:
First, there is an abundance of comfort for those who possess merciful spirits. Whoever you are, wherever you may be (although I fear there are but few, like gleanings after the vintage, scattered even in large assemblies), listen to your consolation. Has the Lord stirred your hearts to empathize with the sorrows of the saints abroad, even while you have plenty at home? Have you experienced bondage alongside them, and have your own comforts lost some of their sweetness because the Church and the people of God have been in such dire straits? If this is the case, take comfort.
Firstly, you excel in what is God's excellence, and this is a great virtue. It is the best service you can render. You may complain about your inability to pray, feeling disquieted and burdened by your spiritual deadness, dullness, and lack of inclination. But if you have a merciful heart, know that it is most pleasing to God. In Micah 6:4-5, the people ask, "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" God responds, saying, "No, I do not require any of these offerings. I only require you to do justice and love mercy." Therefore,
you can boldly approach God with these qualities. Perhaps you cannot bring rivers of oil or eloquently express yourself, but if you bring a heart that loves mercy, you possess something that God delights in.
Secondly, having a merciful heart is a sure sign of your election unto mercy. Colossians 3:12 states, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies." God enables you to have the means to help those in distress. It is more important to have a heart that shows mercy than to have the resources to do so. It is a greater mercy for God to make you willing to show mercy than if you possessed wealth but lacked the willingness to show mercy.
Therefore, where do you place your riches? Do you consider it wealth to have control over the world and hold positions of power? If this is your happiness, be aware that you have little evidence of your soul's election. But if you are truly filled with grace, you will say, "Lord, I thank You for my possessions, talents, and riches, but more than anything, I bless You for giving me a compassionate heart to pity those in distress. I am grateful that You have granted me a heart to show mercy to the miserable. I also thank You that I can serve You better with my wealth compared to those who lack such resources. I value my estate because it allows me to be more serviceable to God than others. This is a clear sign of true grace."
Thirdly, you can expect an expanded heart in prayer with comfort.
Many times, you complain about your constricted and lifeless heart.
Could the cause of this be your cruelty towards others? When you face affliction, the Lord will remember your desire to pray better. In James 2:13, it is written, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Although you may have read this Scripture many times, perhaps you have not fully understood its meaning, or it has been misinterpreted. Many