Beatitudes: Blessed are the Merciful
Speaker: Chantal Beresford
Read: Hosea 6:6; Matthew 5:7; Luke 10:25-37
In our western world, often we are too preoccupied with trivia things in life to see the opportunities around us to be merciful to others. One barrier could be religious bondage or legalism. Perhaps we focus on the sins of others rather than seeing them just as a person in need. Sometimes we may not recognize our own need for mercy or fail to remember the times mercy was extended to us. Kingdom living requires that we show mercy to others as God has shown mercy to us.
We can develop a heart for mercy by following the example of the good Samaritan. We need to be alert to see the distress or needs of others around us even if they are of a different race, social background or culture. We should be moved by genuine compassion that comes from a heart of love. Then using whatever resources we have, respond in whatever practical ways we can to relieve the distress one is experiencing. It is true that being merciful requires time, efforts and even sacrifices, but it is a reflection of God’s heart (Hosea 6:6).
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. When was a time mercy was extended to you by God? By Others?
3. In Luke 10, the priest saw the injured man and avoided him; the Levite came near and perhaps out of curiosity looked at him. Both then crossed to the other side. Why do you think they did this? What are ways this happens today?
4. In Luke 10, only the Samaritan treated the man as a person worth caring about. Why do you think today so many find it hard to treat others in distress as people to love?
5. What are some of the distresses we see today where there is opportunity for us to show mercy in some way?
6. It was said that an enemy will identify us by our sin, but Jesus knows our name. What does this mean to you? How does this relate to the idea of extending mercy?
