“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  These words found in the Beatitudes have been the subject of countless sermons and the heart of many charitable organizations.  Mercy (eleos in the Greek and hhesed in the Hebrew) is that which love does when filling any need.  Grace occurs when the attention and favor of a willing benefactor is turned in someone’s direction, but mercy occurs with that patron releases something from his asset base to supply for the privation.  Mercy puts the willingness of grace into an action of provision.

Scripture abounds with examples of mercy.  Boaz, a wealthy businessman, turned his favor – his grace – upon Ruth and supplied her with grain – his mercy.  (Ruth 2)  Jesus’ attention was arrested when two blind men called to him from the side of the road.  Willing to grace them, he inquired as to which particular resource they were requesting.  They asked for healing.  From his portfolio of the miraculous, Jesus distributed healing.  (Mt. 20:29-34)  Romans 3:24 tells us that God’s grace was made know to us though the redemption – the assets spent on our behalf – of Christ. 

Grace (favor) without mercy (supply) does not bring tangible aid to the person in need.  We should be instructed from the Scripture and follow the example set before us.  Look around you and see who is in need, then let both your heart and your hands be filled as you become a mercy giver.