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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Blessed are those who show mercy, for they will receive mercy.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a collection of Jesus’ teachings on how to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Beatitudes, which open the sermon, describe the attitudes and behaviors that are blessed by God.
2. Immediate Context:
   • This Beatitude follows those on being "poor in spirit," "mourning," "meekness," and "hungering and thirsting for righteousness," and it introduces the importance of showing mercy as a reflection of God's character.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "Blessed are those who show mercy":
   • Mercy, in the biblical sense, involves compassion, forgiveness, and kindness towards others, particularly those who are suffering or in need. It is an active expression of love that seeks to alleviate pain and hardship.
   • Showing mercy means being willing to forgive others, help those in need, and demonstrate kindness without expecting anything in return. It reflects a heart that is aligned with God's compassion and grace.
2. "For they will receive mercy":
   • The promise that those who show mercy will receive mercy highlights a reciprocal relationship. It implies that God's mercy towards us is connected to our mercy towards others.
   • This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the Lord's Prayer ("Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," Matthew 6:12) and in the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35).
   • Receiving mercy can refer to both temporal blessings and the ultimate mercy of God in the final judgment. Those who are merciful can expect to experience God's mercy in their lives, both now and in eternity.

Biblical Principles

1. Compassion and Forgiveness:
   • Mercy involves a deep compassion for others and a willingness to forgive offenses. This principle encourages believers to look beyond their own interests and to be attentive to the needs and struggles of others.
   • Ephesians 4:32 reinforces this by saying, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
2. Reflecting God’s Character:
   • Showing mercy reflects the character of God, who is described as merciful and compassionate throughout the Bible (e.g., Psalm 103:8, Luke 6:36). Believers are called to emulate God's mercy in their interactions with others.
3. Reciprocity of Mercy:
   • The idea that those who show mercy will receive mercy highlights the reciprocal nature of God's kingdom. It emphasizes that our actions towards others have spiritual significance and consequences.
   • James 2:13 also speaks to this principle: "Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

Application

• Forgiving Others: Believers are encouraged to practice forgiveness, letting go of grudges and offenses. This involves a willingness to extend grace, even when it is undeserved.
• Helping Those in Need: Showing mercy includes practical acts of kindness and assistance to those who are suffering or in need. This could involve volunteering, providing financial help, or offering emotional support.
• Cultivating a Merciful Heart: Developing a heart of mercy requires intentionality and prayer. Believers can ask God to help them see others through His compassionate eyes and respond accordingly.

Challenges and Encouragement

• Overcoming Resentment: One challenge is overcoming feelings of resentment or a desire for retribution. Showing mercy requires humility and a willingness to let go of personal offenses.
• Trusting in God’s Justice: Believers must trust that God is just and that He will ultimately right all wrongs. Showing mercy does not mean ignoring injustice but rather entrusting ultimate justice to God.