The Unexpected Blessing of Mercy


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Sermon Notes

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”    Matthew 5:7

Mercy is an unearned response to someone else’s need.  It is the emotion of pity put into action.  And it is displayed in the character of God Himself!

In the scriptures, mercy goes hand-in-hand with compassion.  We see this in the story of The Good Samaritan.

  • The Notion—noticing a need
  • The Emotion—moving beyond sympathy to empathy
  • The Motion—being moved to action
  • The Devotion—an ongoing commitment to be helpful

Mercy also goes hand-in-hand with forgiveness.  Jesus illustrates the need for this in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.  We see a positive example in the life of Joseph the son of Jacob.

There is no receiving mercy without a willingness to give it.

Who can you show compassion to this week?

Who do you need to forgive today?