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I. THE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN MERCY.

1. It has its seat in the heart.

2. It is a supernatural quality.

3. It is an active principle.

(1) It will be manifested toward the inferior animals.

(2) To those of our fellow-creatures who are under bodily affliction and misery.

(3) It will extend to the spiritual miseries of our fellow-min. Mercy to the soul, is the soul of mercy.

(4) Towards our greatest enemies.

II. THE GROUNDS OF CHRISTIAN MERCY.

1. Because it is strictly enjoined by God.

2. Because we stand in constant need of Divine mercy. Were it withdrawn, there would be nothing before us but a fearful looking for of judgment.

3. Because our profession binds us to imitate Christ, who is the perfect pattern of mercy. In Him mercy was embodied. If we are His disciples, we will walk even as He walked.

4. We should be merciful because of the true pleasure which is associated with acts of mercy.

5. Because it is an express condition of our obtaining mercy.

III. THE REWARDS OF CHRISTIAN MERCY.

1. A good name.

2. A peculiar interest in the kind and merciful arrangements of Divine providence.

3. The merciful are blessed with the prayers and blessings of the miserable whom they have relieved.

4. They shall be blessed with the public approval of Christ at the last day. Application:

1. Let the exercise of mercy be pressed on all Christ's disciples. Cultivate it. Rejoice in all opportunities of doing good.

2. Let the mercy of God to us be highly valued. We need it daily. Only one channel for its communication — through Christ. Only one way to obtain it — through faith in His word.

3. The unmerciful shall have judgment without mercy. What a dreadful portion to the guilty sinner!

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

WEB: Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.