Beatitude 5
October 18, 2024
We live in a ‘get even’ culture. If you are wronged, punch back harder. Get even. Teach that other person a lesson. Jesus’ teaching is the opposite. The fifth beatitude he taught to his disciples and the crowd that surrounded them was this. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’ Matthew 5: 7. Show mercy, not contempt; show mercy, not harsh judgement.
Isaiah 42:3 says A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.
People need encouragement.
Being merciful means forgiving. We can do this because Jesus forgives us. We repent, He forgives. We feel the delightful freedom of his mercy. It’s tempting to dwell on an injury. Forgive as we are forgiven. Extend mercy.