Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
—Matthew 5:7
Awareness of God’s mercy to us motivates us to be merciful to others.
“When you were dead in your sins . . . God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins . . . Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 2:13; 3:12–13).
Jesus instructs us to pray: “Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Then this: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mt 6:12, 14–15).
Mercy shows greater strength than justice.