Jan. 26, 2022

“HOW TO BE HAPPY ACCORDING TO JESUS”

“HAPPY ARE THE MERCIFUL”

MATTHEW 5:7

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.”

Mercy is love that is given when it is not deserved. It is forgiveness that is given when it is not earned. It is a gift that flows like a refreshing stream to quench the fires of angry, condemning words. It is called mercy; and in our day, it’s almost a forgotten quality.

The Greek word for “mercy” literally means “full of pity.” It describes someone with a sympathetic heart and is often used to describe the Lord Jesus.

For Christians, mercy is a Spirit-guided ability to manifest practical, compassionate, and cheerful love toward someone who is suffering.

Examples of the Merciful the Helpful:

1.   The. Good Samaritan- Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:33 “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.”

The Samaritans heart moved by what he saw. He took the bleeding man and bound up his wounds, used an antiseptic, and poured oil on him to soothe the pain.

At the end of the story, Jesus asked:

Luke 10:36-37 “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The lawyer answered, “He who showed mercy on him.” Mercy is the quality of the Good Samaritan, and Jesus instructs us to “Go and do likewise.”

Jesus said that the merciful would obtain mercy.

Matthew 7:2 “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” 

If we forgive others, God will also forgive you.

James 2:13 “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

As a man judges, so will he be judged.

2.   The Forgiven Debt- Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Matthew 18:35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

We have been forgiven a great debt by our heavenly Father, one we could never repay. Our sin debt was so great that no amount of good works or sacrifice could ever take care of it.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…” 

But when Jesus died on the cross, He forgave us freely of everything we have ever done. He has shown us great mercy.

Romans 5:8

So what should we do when confronted by someone who needs mercy? We are to extend mercy.

3.   The Sown Seed 

Happiness is found in ministering to others. The merciful will obtain mercy and will find true happiness in being merciful to others.