Day 15 – Blessed are the Merciful
Intention
To have mercy triumph in our hearts.
Scripture
“Blessed are the merciful.”
– Matthew 5:7
Reflection
The merciful are those who choose to suffer with the suffering. The merciful withhold judgment, and where judgment may be due – they, like Jesus, cry out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Mercy doesn’t deny truth, however, in confronting the reality of truth – that sin will be judged, the merciful find solace in the cross. Sin, bathed in the blood of Jesus, becomes white as snow.
In this sense, truth is mercy. Truth is Jesus Christ, who declared of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The way to the Father is through the Son and the way to the Son, is through the cross.
How anxious our hearts become at the evil that surrounds us – the unjust destruction of infants. Our hearts of mercy suffer with the unborn, as this precious and perfect human formation is horrendously torn apart or poisoned.
If the mother truly knew her action and the consequence of it, would she choose it?
Father, forgive her, for she knows not what she does. And as her soul bears the weight of her decision, we pray, “May the Lord have mercy, and may a faithful believer come across her path to lead her to repentance and restoration.”
Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13) because judgment declares that the match is over, and the winners and losers have been announced. It is final – the judgment is declared, and the story has ended. However, mercy provides another round – a second chance. Mercy presents an opportunity.
The scarlet thread of mercy begins in Genesis and entwines its beauty in the entirety of the Gospel story. In creation, God knew His created mankind would disobey – yet by His mercy, He created us, knowing that we would only love Him by choice. He withheld His final judgment when we did sin – instead clothing us from the garden, and now in Christ – clothing us in righteousness.
May mercy triumph over judgment in our hearts today as we cry out to the Lord for mercy for the infants, and mercy for all those who partake in wickedness. And as we show mercy, may we receive mercy from our heavenly Father.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father,
May mercy triumph in our hearts today as we consider the incredible mercy that You have shown to us. We need to “be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7) continuously, and so we pray for a continuous flow of mercy from our hearts to others who also need it.
We cry out to You for mercy for the unborn. May the day come soon when they all see life so they have the opportunity to live the life you planned for them.
Amen.
Prayer Points and Purpose for 21 Days for Life 2025
1. That the Church unifies in prayer and advocacy for the unborn.
2. That Australians will vote according to the defence of LIFE in upcoming elections.
3. That the federal Babies Born Alive Bill be passed with no more delay.
4. That every church across Australia becomes a House of Refuge.
5. That walks for life to defend life in the womb flourish in every state and territory.
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