Happy Are Those Who Serve "the Happy God" - Conclusion of QUALITIES THAT ENHANCE HAPPINESS

"Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5:7)  A Hebrew verb associated with mercy means "to glow, to feel warm with tender emotion; . . . to be compassionate."  Similarly, the Greek verb includes the sense of feeling sympathy for someone else.  However, mercy is more than a tender feeling.  In the Bible, it includes the active manifestation of pity by an act of mercy.

Read Luke 10:30-37.  Jesus' illustration of the neighborly Samaritan vividly portrays what it means to show mercy.  Moved by heartfelt compassion and mercy, the Samaritan took positive action to bring relief to the suffering victim.  After relating the illustration, Jesus said:  "Go and do the same yourself."  Hence, we might ask ourselves: 'Am I doing the same?  Am I doing what the compassionate Samaritan did?  Could I more actively display mercy and engage in positive deeds of kindness toward those who are suffering?  For instance, could I offer practical help to older  fellow Christians, widows, and those who are spiritually fatherless children?  Can I take the initiative to "speak consolingly to those who are depressed"? - 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 1:27.

How, though, does being merciful result in happiness?  When we display mercy toward others, we enjoy the happiness that results from giving.  Moreover, we know that we are pleasing Jehovah.  (Acts 209:35; read Hebrews 13:16.) Regarding a person who shows consideration, King David said:  "Jehovah will guard him and keep him alive.  He will be pronounced happy in the earth." (Psalm 41:1, 2)  Giving expression to our feelings of compassion will also put u in the line to receive Jehovah's mercy, which in turn can result in our being eternally happy. - James 2:13.

Next time:  Happy Are Those Who Serve "the Happy God" - WHY "THE PURE IN HEART" ARE HAPPY

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