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Matthew 5:7 is the text for this sermon entitled, "Fifth Beatitude: The Merciful."

The Christian principle of mercy brings blessings. Mercy could be called a “boomerang” moral principle since the exercise of mercy tends to elicit mercy from God and others. Notice again the divine passive form of the verb, "They shall receive mercy." We must be open to receive it as God’s gift!

"Merciful" is an adjective meaning "full of pity, compassionate, acting consistently with the revelation of God's covenant. Matthew's gospel opens with the story of Joseph's mercy toward Mary as he heeds the angel's instruction about the coming Christchild. The story known as the Good Samaritan is filled with mercy. We can learn these five lessons about mercy:
1. Mercy without accountability and faithfulness is not mercy. In Matthew’s terms, it is "anomia", i.e., lawlessness for selfish reasons.
2. Jesus' acts of mercy in his ministry guide us in our own application of ministry.
3. Jesus' acts of mercy are encapsulated in the concept of a “cup of cold water.” What is the “cup of cold water” that we need to offer this coming week?
4. If we do not extend mercy and forgiveness to others, we will not receive it ourselves!
5. The most difficult act of mercy is to extend forgiveness to our enemies.
6. Do I have the attitude of desire for mercy, and not a ritualistic faith that condemns others because they cannot match my own practice of legalism?