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a) The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)
MATTHEW 5:7
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 25:35-46; James 2:13)
The merciful are those who are piously and charitably inclined to pity, help and succor others in misery. A man may be truly “merciful,” who has not means to be bountiful or liberal, then God accepts the willing mind. We must not only bear our own afflictions patiently, but partake of the afflictions of our brethren. Pity must be shown and bowels of mercy put on (Colossians 3:12).
We should have compassion on the souls of others too and help them, pity the ignorant, instruct the careless and warn who is in a state of sin and snatch him as a brand from the burning.
We should also have compassion on those who are in sorrow and comfort them and not be severe with them. We should recognize those who are in want and supply their needs with wisdom. “Extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul … share your bread with the hungry” (Isaiah 58:7,10). Nay, a “good man is merciful to his beast” (Proverbs 12:10).
He who is justified by the blood of Christ, the mercy of God dwells in his heart. He who loves Jesus for His great reconciling love, will voluntarily forgive all his enemies’ faults. He who has an anointing from the Holy Spirit, does not despise a simple man, he rather helps him, blesses him and comforts him. He sacrifices what he has for him. Thus, God is love! He who believes in our Father in heaven shall enter into that love. He who does not know God will remain in hatred, contempt and under judgment. Have you become merciful like Christ, the most merciful? If so, the power of God will flow from your heart into our dying world. Because of your faith in Christ, you will be justified and rise from the dead into everlasting life. You will be saved from the final judgment by His mercy only, which will be realized by the love of God poured into your heart through the Holy Spirit given to you. You are not saved by your good deeds but for the sake of the blood of Jesus Christ who changes you into a loving servant.
The merciful have a certain privilege as we read in the Old Testament, “Blessed is he who considers the poor” (Psalm 41:1). Herein we shall resemble God, as Jesus commands us, “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). We are invited even to become perfect, as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). This is an evidence of the love of God. One of the purest and most refined delights in this world is mercifully doing good deeds. In this word, “Blessed are the merciful,” a word of Christ is included, which is only found in the testimony of His apostles, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
QUESTION:
- How can we change from being selfish into being merciful?