Beatitudes 5: The true disciple is MERCIFUL [Matthew 5:7]
The previous four beatitudes have focused on our recognition of utter dependence upon God. They have brought us to see our own unworthiness and inability, and caused us to be cast upon his grace and his mercy. The true disciple of Jesus Christ, aware that he has been, and continues to be, the recipient of immeasurable mercy, is characterised by that same mercy in his relationships with others. Being ‘merciful’ is his habitual state of mind, his habitual attitude towards his neighbour in which he acts towards him with love, even if such love is undeserved. In fact, Jesus taught that the absence of mercy indicates that one has not yet embraced the mercy of God offered in the Gospel, for to have received God’s mercy and to continue to exact justice from our neighbour is totally incongruous.
Discuss the attitude of mercy expressed in these verses:
(texts are all from New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
Hosea 6:6
6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Micah 6:8
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Matthew 9:10-13
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. 13 But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
Luke 6:32-36
32 ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
James 2:13
13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 3:17
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.