# 40 2016 Dev. Mt.5:7. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Matthew 5:7
7 “Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”
The following intro. is the context for verses 3-12. Verse 7 is part of “The Beatitudes”. The meaning of this word is: “a state of absolute bliss” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). On this earth that state is the result of God’s grace and human kindness. Therefore, Jesus begins his sermon with the attitudes and the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven.
So far Jesus’ words call for action on our part, he calls for application. How easily we talk about humility (meekness), about compassion (mourning), about righteousness (by faith) and about mercy (by God’s grace). How difficult it is to apply what Jesus tells us in our everyday living! We come up with excuses like: what Jesus is asking us to do is unrealistic, we simply cannot do these things on our own, much too perfect for living in today’s world. However, we are not alone, the power of the Holy Spirit is in us and faith in Jesus perfects our efforts. I find this truth a great source of comfort not only as a minister but as a follower of Jesus because often a higher standard is imposed on us.
Verse 7: “Blessed are the merciful”: in my experience including military action, mercy is in short supply in modern times. What has happened to people today? I believe there has been a fundamental shift in our culture and in many cultures around the world. Mercy is a defining value. To show mercy is to be tolerant, unselfish, compassionate, forgiving, accepting, respecting others, hating evil but loving people. There is a segment of our culture and of cultures around the world who do not hold or practice those values. Mercy flows from God’s grace extended to us and true followers of Jesus practice it.
Verse 7 goes on: “for they will be shown mercy.” Extending mercy to others is a prerequisite for receiving mercy, receiving mercy from other people but more importantly, from God! God’s blessings include, among many other things, mercy from Him! We thank you Lord Jesus!
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