BEATITUDES: THE MERCIFUL
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. The Beatitudes
a) In Matthew 5:1-12, the term "beatitude" means a state of great blessedness, or a saying that expresses that state. Blessedness is more than happiness.
b) These beatitudes lay down certain conditions in which God will give us his blessing and peace — an abiding joy not subject to the changing fortunes of this world. Blessedness is bestowed by God intentionally and purposefully, and it is sought from God in the same manner.
c) We must seek blessedness. It won't just “happen.”
2. The Merciful
Matthew 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
a) We have an opportunity to show compassion and mercy when someone needs our forgiveness. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).
b) It’s not enough to be fair and just; we must also be merciful and show grace. The parable of the unjust steward illustrates this beatitude (Matthew 18:21-35).
c) Justice is tempered with mercy. The scales of justice balance justice on one side against mercy on the other. Often the fairest and most righteous course is to grant mercy.
d) In this beatitude, Jesus says that the merciful will be shown mercy. Later in his sermon on the mount he says, "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14-15).
e) Especially when sinners genuinely "mourn" and are penitent and contrite, it is right and appropriate that they be shown mercy and given help instead of punishment. We expect this of God, therefore we should treat others in the same way.
The End ...
1. The Beatitudesa) In Matthew 5:1-12, the term "beatitude" means a state of great blessedness, or a saying that expresses that state. Blessedness is more than happiness.
b) These beatitudes lay down certain conditions in which God will give us his blessing and peace — an abiding joy not subject to the changing fortunes of this world. Blessedness is bestowed by God intentionally and purposefully, and it is sought from God in the same manner.
c) We must seek blessedness. It won't just “happen.”
2. The Merciful
Matthew 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
a) We have an opportunity to show compassion and mercy when someone needs our forgiveness. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32).
b) It’s not enough to be fair and just; we must also be merciful and show grace. The parable of the unjust steward illustrates this beatitude (Matthew 18:21-35).
c) Justice is tempered with mercy. The scales of justice balance justice on one side against mercy on the other. Often the fairest and most righteous course is to grant mercy.
d) In this beatitude, Jesus says that the merciful will be shown mercy. Later in his sermon on the mount he says, "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14-15).
e) Especially when sinners genuinely "mourn" and are penitent and contrite, it is right and appropriate that they be shown mercy and given help instead of punishment. We expect this of God, therefore we should treat others in the same way.
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