Mercy and Charity

My mercy encompasses all things, So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give Charity (zakah) and those who believe in Our verses. {7:156}

Growing up, I always heard that it was good to give charity and donate for good causes. There sayings by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) that teach us to give for the sake of God, and that God will return our sacrifice in a better way. And there are also many verses in the Quran that talk about giving and how God multiplies one's reward when he/she gives charity for His sake. Yet, this verse got to me. It is concise, brief, and to the point.

Many times in the Quran, you see "those who believe and do good" going hand in hand together. Here, in verse 156 in Surah Al-A'raf, it is a little different. Rather than saying that God's mercy is linked to those who simply believe and do good, God delves deeper into what believing and doing good means, taking it to a higher level. He says His mercy is given it to those who are pious and have that fear of God, and additionally, those who physically give charity/donate, etc, and those who believe in God's signs/verses. 

Here as clear as ever, there is direct correlation between God's mercy on you and your amount of charity and giving to others. How beautiful is that!