God is merciful to the merciful

It is of the utmost importance that we may have mercy with others, because God is pleased with everyone who practices mercy with others.

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.

2 Samuel 22:26

Is not this change seen in many people, people are not practicing what we call mercy or what it is to be kind? Many think and say “I can not have mercy on my enemy”, but in reality, who are we? God, being God can have mercy, and we, who before Him are only repentant sinners, find it difficult to have mercy.

Remember that God is God and does everything that is under His will. If God says does not show mercy to you, it is because you are not merciful to others:

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.

2 Samuel 22:27

To everyone who does wickedness God gives them their reward according to their works, but everyone who turns away from evil will obtain mercy.

And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.

2 Samuel 22:28

It is important that we maintain humility, first of all, God likes people who are sincere with Him and who are not haughty, because the haughty He looks at them from afar, and rejects them, but the afflicted will save them and restore them from all disease.

Mercy is one of the greatest expressions of God’s character, and when we extend mercy to others, we reflect a small part of His heart toward humanity. Many times, showing mercy requires going against our natural impulses, especially when we believe that the other person does not deserve forgiveness or compassion. However, that is precisely where the beauty of mercy shines—when we extend what is difficult, when we offer grace even where there has been offense. Mercy is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of spiritual maturity and obedience to God.

Throughout Scripture we see that those who practice mercy find favor before the Lord. Mercy opens the door to reconciliation, peace, and healing in relationships. A merciful heart does not ignore wrong, but rather chooses to respond with kindness, seeking restoration instead of revenge. Jesus Himself taught that the merciful are blessed because they will obtain mercy. This principle remains active today: how we treat others becomes a reflection of what we expect from God.

In today’s world, where division, anger, and pride rise easily among people, mercy becomes a powerful light. Many prefer to respond harshly, to defend themselves through pride or to overcome others rather than forgive. Yet God calls us to a higher standard. The humility mentioned in this passage from 2 Samuel reminds us that God resists the proud but draws near to the humble. A humble person understands their own need for forgiveness and therefore is more willing to forgive and show compassion to others.

The text also reminds us that God saves the afflicted and looks upon the haughty from afar. This teaches us a profound truth: God is attentive to those who recognize their dependence on Him. The afflicted, the broken, the meek—these He lifts up, strengthens, and restores. But those who exalt themselves, believing they need nothing and no one, walk far from His grace. Mercy and humility walk hand in hand, for only a humble heart can exercise genuine compassion.

Therefore, we must daily examine our hearts. Are we practicing mercy with those around us? Are we forgiving as God forgives us? Are we treating others with the same patience and kindness with which God treats us? These questions challenge us to grow spiritually and to reflect Christ more clearly in our actions. When we practice mercy, we not only honor God but also sow seeds of peace and healing in the lives of others.

May we always remember that mercy triumphs over judgment, and that to walk in mercy is to walk in the footsteps of our Lord. Let us strive to be instruments of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, knowing that God rewards those who imitate His heart. The more mercy we show, the more His love is revealed through us.