"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
"Quarter" is an archaic word meaning "mercy". When one was about to be killed in war or battle, he would ask for quarter.
Do we give quarter in our daily lives? Is it in our nature to give quarter? It should be, for if we give quarter we shall receive quarter.
How interesting it is that the Lord does not use the word graceful. "Blessed are the graceful, for they shall receive grace." The difference between mercy and grace is simple. Grace is receiving something that you do not deserve, mercy is not receiving something that you do deserve.
This goes against everything in our human nature. Do unto others as has been done unto you. Retaliate! Fight back! Get revenge! This is my true self. I cannot speak for anyone else on this matter. However, to give quarter, to show mercy, is an lifestyle well worth striving toward. Mercy receives mercy.
As believers, mercy surrounds our daily lives. "Followers of Jesus must be men [and women] of mercy; for they have found mercy, and mercy has found them. As we look for 'mercy of the Lord in that day,' we must show mercy in this day." (Spurgeon)
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 20-21
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