This past Sunday the passage the pastor preached from was, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Matt.5:8 ESV.  Have you ever wondered, based on this verse and others, if there is a ‘conditional-ness’ to the mercy and forgiveness we receive from God?  Take a look at just a few verses later in the same sermon where Jesus says this, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. “ Matt 6:14-15 ESV.  Is Jesus saying , “Show mercy to others and I will show mercy to you, forgive others and I will forgive you”?  Is that really how God interacts with us? Is His mercy and forgiveness extended towards us conditional upon us first extending the same to others?  Is this saying that there is a way by which we can actually in a sense, earn the mercy and forgiveness we desperately want, desire and need from God? It can certainly make us think that at first glimpse but let’s dig a little deeper and I think the truth will become clear. Continue Reading…