We Receive as We Give
To receive mercy from God, we must be merciful and forgiving towards others, letting go of harsh constructions and difficult relationships.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the principle that mercy begets mercy, urging believers to forgive and give generously to others. He warns that those who refuse to show kindness and compassion will find themselves lacking mercy in their own lives. Spurgeon encourages the congregation to adopt a gentle and forgiving spirit, highlighting the joy and blessedness that comes from being merciful. He reminds us that the promise of receiving mercy is a profound gift of God's grace, and that our actions towards others directly influence our own spiritual well-being.
Text
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
It is not meet that the man who will not forgive should be forgiven, nor shall he who will not give to the poor have his own wants relieved. God will measure to us with our own bushels, and those who have been hard masters and hard creditors will find that the Lord will deal hardly with them. "He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy."
This day let us try to give and to forgive. Let us mind the two bears - bear and forbear. Let us be kind, gentle, and tender. Let us not put harsh constructions upon men's conduct, nor drive hard bargains, nor pick foolish quarrels, nor be difficult to please.
Surely we wish to be blessed, and we also want to obtain mercy: let us be merciful, that we may have mercy. Let us fulfill the condition, that we may earn the beatitude. Is it not a pleasant duty to be kind? Is there not much more sweetness in it than in being angry and ungenerous? Why, there is a blessedness in the thing itself! Moreover, the obtaining of mercy is a rich reward. What but sovereign grace could suggest such a promise as this'. We are merciful to our fellow mortal in pence, and the Lord forgives us "all the debt."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Mercy
- The Call to Forgiveness and Generosity
- The Reward of Mercy
- Obtaining mercy through being merciful
- The rich reward of forgiveness
Key Quotes
“It is not meet that the man who will not forgive should be forgiven, nor shall he who will not give to the poor have his own wants relieved.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We are merciful to our fellow mortal in pence, and the Lord forgives us 'all the debt.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Let us strive to be kind, gentle, and tender towards others, and to forgive those who have wronged us.
- We must let go of harsh constructions and difficult relationships in order to receive mercy from God.
- Being merciful and forgiving brings a rich and sovereign blessing to our lives.