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I. ITS ACTS.

1. Consideration.

2. Compassion.

3. Prayer.

4. Helpfulness, according to the need of the object.

II. ITS OBJECTS. Our neighbour.

1. Erring (James 5:19, 20).

2. Offending.

3. Under persecution.

4. In want.

5. In sickness.

6. In misfortune by the loss of good friends, or the unkindness of bad relations.

III. THE MANNER OF ITS EXERCISE. Acts of mercy are to be performed —

1. With readiness and forwardness of mind (2 Corinthians 9:7).

2. With modesty and humility (Matthew 6:1).

3. From a kind and merciful, not from a selfish and mercenary temper (Luke 6:32).

4. Without delay (Proverbs 4:23).

5. Bountifully (1 Timothy 6:18).

6. With minds full of gratitude to God (1 Chronicles 29:13, 17).

7. As to Christ Himself (Matthew 10:42).

IV. THE BLESSING PROMISED TO THE MERCIFUL. AS for external mercies, the Bible promises them very fully to the merciful.

1. Deliverance out of trouble (Isaiah 58:10; Psalm 41:1).

2. God's blessing on his labours and undertakings (Deuteronomy 15:7-10).

3. The staving off of his trouble, and the lengthening of his tranquility (Daniel 4:27).

4. Plenty (Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 3:9).

5. Honour (Psalm 112:9).

6. Deliverance from enemies (Psalm 41:2).

7. God s comforts in his sickness (Psalm 51:3).

8. A blessing on his posterity (Psalm 37:26).

9. More particularly, man's help in distress and God's providence.

(J. Blair, 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.