Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 (KJV).

REFLECT:
It is one thing to have or receive a reward, but when this reward is amplified it becomes another matter altogether. We all love to receive rewards; however, it would be much nicer if the reward(s) becomes amplified. So, what does an Amplified Reward mean?

To give a clearer understanding of the meaning of our title for today we should first examine each of the words presented. First, the word Amplified, which is the past participle of the verb Amplify, connotes the following: increase or increasing, enlarge, extend, expand, or add to something to make it bigger or greater. While Reward means, an achievement that is well earned or deserved. Simply put, it is something that is given in recognition of service or effort, especially such that is rendered selflessly. Other meanings or words for reward would be, honor, recompense, award, benefit, etc.

Having explained above what each of the words means, we can without being told deduce the meaning of the phrase ‘Amplified Reward.’ This would mean, ‘Increased Achievement, enlarged reward, an added or additional benefit’ and so on, which is given for a service or effort that was rendered selflessly. Another thing to note here is that such service or effort is based on a choice, meaning it is not mandatory or obligatory, neither is it binding nor required to render such service(s), but only suggested, however, if decided upon, the benefits are huge.

The question to be asked at this point would be, what thing(s) would fall under the category of an Amplified Reward, and why? This answer is found in our focused Bible verse presented today. In this Bible verse, we see a tribute to a particular group of people JESUS is referring to, they are called “the Merciful.”

So, who are the Merciful, for they seem to be very special people? According to the dictionary meaning of the word merciful, we understand that they are people who carry the ability to show or demonstrate acts of mercy, such as forgiveness, compassion, kindness, love, leniency towards humanity or their fellow men even when such people do not deserve it. People who may have caused bodily, emotional, or psychological inflictions upon or against them. People who they had the right to punish if they wanted to. However, rather than meting out due punishment, they chose to show mercy instead.

Jesus calls this category of people blessed. Note that Jesus said that they are blessed first and foremost just by choosing to be merciful. He then goes on to Amplify the reward by saying that they shall also be shown mercy.

When we choose to key into God’s nature and attributes of Mercy and make it a part of us, He—the Lord moves to bestow upon us His title and Grace by making us just as He is —-“The Merciful,” who are blessed with an ever-increasing reward.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer for a Merciful Heart.

FATHER GOD, Your nature is to offer mercy. When people know me, I want them to know You living in me. Give me opportunities to demonstrate mercy to those around me. As my faith grows, please give me a deeper ability to offer mercy to others. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.