Blessed Are the Merciful

Scripture: Matthew 5:7 (NRSVue)

This fifth beatitude of Jesus is unique: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” The reward is the exact same thing as the deed. Mercy for mercy. If you extend mercy, you’ll receive mercy. It’s an interesting life principle–when you’re kind, you’re often treated with kindness. If we’re suspicious, we’ll be treated with suspicion. We see the world not as the world is, but as we are. We experience the world as we are. Mercy is an important theme for Jesus. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant he says, “Should you not have mercy on your fellow servant as I have had mercy on you?” He goes on and says, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” That statement should give us all pause. Think about it. Opening your heart to your brother or sister, is also opening your heart to God. Closing your heart to your brother or sister, is also closing your heart to God. To bless others is in our own best interest. To curse others is to curse yourself. To hate someone is to hate yourself. Be merciful to yourself, by being merciful to others. It’s all connected.

March 13, 2022 – Online Service Bulletin and Bible Study

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Sermon Art: “The Seven Acts of Mercy,” Caravaggio, circa 1607, Church of Pio Monte della Misericordia, Naples

Other Sermons In This Series

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

March 27, 2022

Blessed Are the Meek

February 27, 2022

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

February 13, 2022