Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. (Mat 5:7 NKJ)

 What does it mean to be merciful? Mercy is really about showing compassion and forgiveness.  Jesus told his disciples, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Mat 6:9-15 NKJ)

Even though a person might deserve judgment, mercy is shown them, just as we too deserved judgment but God showed us mercy. The Pharisees were all about law and legalism, but Jesus told them, “go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mat 9:13 NKJ)

I might have an ATM card, but when I last checked the bank requires that I make a deposit before I can make a withdrawal.  There was a well-known preacher who constantly condemned the LGTBQ lifestyle and people until one day he was caught with another man in a restroom.  What was shocking was the hypocrisy, and because he had chosen to live in darkness, operating out of public toilets, everything he touched was dark. He wanted mercy, but his account was empty. Fortunately, God has grace and is rich in mercy.