Matthew 5: Blessed are the merciful

Captain Alison Hutchings reminds us that mercy is a sign of a transformed heart.

Key texts

• Matthew 5:7 

As we journey through the Beatitudes, we see they are presented in clusters. The first three beatitudes – Matthew 5:3–5 – address our human condition and frailty before God. As we become increasingly aware of our brokenness and need for God, we begin to hunger for righteousness (see v6). We then move into three characteristics of this righteousness in verses 7 to 9, the first of which is mercy. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy’ (Matthew 5:7).

The word ‘merciful’ comes from the Greek – eleēmōn – meaning ‘actively compassionate’, particularly towards the suffering. This helps shape our understanding of Matthew 5:7. An example of this is the parable of the good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25–35), where we observe the stages of mercy as seeing someone’s distress, being moved by compassion and then doing something about it, whether they deserve it or not.

Being merciful isn’t something that we leap into. Indeed, it isn’t something that comes particularly naturally. If it’s merely an act of duty or obligation, we fall into the dangerous position the religious leaders in Jesus’ time found themselves.

Mercy starts with God, so we need to first understand the extent of mercy that we have received: our salvation is, itself, an act of God’s mercy and love. ‘He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy’ (Titus 3:5).

God, by nature, is ‘merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth’ (Exodus 34:6 New King James Version), an idea that links closely with his characteristic as a forgiving Father (see Luke 15). Indeed, the statement ‘blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy’ sits beautifully alongside words from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:12: ‘Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’ What great mercy and forgiveness has God shown us through Jesus Christ. What great example has been set before us!

Pause and reflect

• Look back over the first four Beatitudes and reflect on how you have seen God’s mercy in your life.
• Do you crave righteousness? In your life, what is the connection between receiving mercy and giving mercy?

Mercy was at the forefront of Christ’s earthly ministry. Two passages that underpin his attitude and compassion for others are Matthew 25:35–40 and Luke 4:18 and 19. In these passages, Christ emphasises his mercy to the marginalised, the vulnerable, the impoverished, the broken and the oppressed – those our world often disregards or rejects. This is our example as we, in turn, speak straight into the heartache and sorrow of our communities.

Sadly, mercy does not come naturally to our world. Revenge, punishment, power, totalitarianism. Even our justice system can fall short of being merciful. In James 2:13 we read: ‘Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.’

The parable of the unforgiving servant (see Matthew 18:21–35) is a warning against receiving mercy but refusing to give it – something that is so often characteristic of our society’s culture. However, as followers of Jesus, we must not conform to the pattern of the world. General John Gowans’ view of mission included the phrase ‘to serve suffering humanity’. In part, this captures what it means to show mercy.

As disciples of Jesus, we learn that mercy is not an optional extra; it’s not something that we do as an act of charity. Rather, it’s a command from God: ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful’ (Luke 6:36). It’s certainly not easy, but it’s essential if we are to reflect God’s love and righteousness in our lives.

As we recognise our personal need for mercy and forgiveness, the outward working of this is an obedient heart that shows mercy and forgiveness to others. Being merciful becomes a sign of a transformed heart. Once we truly grasp something of who God is and his mercy towards us, we won’t be able to stop this from overflowing in our attitude towards others. The psalmist writes that we’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good (see Psalm 34:8) and our past transgressions have been blotted out from God’s memory (see Psalm 103:12).

Paul comments that we’ve been brought into the divine love of God’s family (see Ephesians 1:5).

Pause and reflect

• Why is it often hard to extend mercy, even after receiving it?
• How does showing mercy sit with being just?
• Should a merciful person show mercy in all circumstances?

How can we apply this to everyday life? Living mercifully is certainly countercultural, and we’re called to live to a different standard from the world.

Love your enemies (see Matthew 5:43 and 44). Forgive, as you have been forgiven (see Ephesians 4:32).

Welcome refugees, people experiencing homelessness and poverty, children who no longer have parents (see Zechariah 7:9 and 10). Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God (see Micah 6:8).

We do all these things not just because Jesus commanded us, but because of who he is creating us to be. In doing so, we will be blessed. We align ourselves with God’s nature and are participants in God’s work of reconciliation and redemption. What greater joy is there than to be part of God’s mission for the world? What greater blessing is there than walking in a closer relationship with God? 

Pause and reflect

• In the song ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness, O God My Father’ (SASB 26), we are reminded of God’s great mercy, love and compassion, and the difference they can make to us. Meditate on the words ‘morning by morning new mercies I see’ and ‘pardon for sin and a peace that endureth’.
• In what ways is God asking you to grow more like him in adopting a posture of mercy?