The Sermon on the MountSample

Blessed are the merciful

The Greek word translated merciful literally means "actively compassionate": those who have experienced God's mercy in their lives and then demonstrate it to others through their attitudes and actions.

Mercy is an integral part of God's nature. He expects His children to learn and apply it (Luke 6:36; James 2:12,13). When we realize how merciful God has been to us, we can convey the message of salvation to others with the right attitude (Matthew 9:13).

Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the expert in the law who had asked him, "And who is my neighbor?" At the end of the parable, Jesus asked, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The scribe’s answer was: "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus agreed with this answer, and he urged him: "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:29,36,37 NIV).

Jesus is a merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17,18). This means that we can confidently approach God's throne to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).

• Do you realize that you have received mercy from God?
• If so, are you willing to show mercy to others so that they may understand and receive God's grace?