Session Six: Blessed Are The Merciful
In Unit Three we are looking at how we live as members of the Kingdom of God. Last time we looked at the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Now we are going to look some famous sayings from Jesus’ longest sermon. These titles are from the New International Version of the Bible.
In this session, we’ll explore:
How God’s mercy affects us
How we put God’s mercy into action
1. Reflect
Read Matthew 5: 7
‘God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God.’
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
What do you think that Jesus means when he speaks about mercy?
2. Read
What does this passages tell us about mercy?
What does it tell us about God?
What is the relationship between mercy and forgiveness?
Why should the first servant be merciful to the second one? What does that teach
us?
What is this meant to teach us about God and His attitude to us?
Does this story mean that sin isn’t really important?
What is Jesus teaching us here about the nature of our faith in him?
What does the stuff about gnats and camels mean?
When we look at these characteristics of wisdom, what does it tell us about mercy?
Need help? Here are some hints…
Lot of things to look at but I think most are easy to understand. If you need more hints, don’t be afraid to ask.
Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.
It is at the centre of the Father’s heart for us. It’s why Jesus came to us, so that we could experience God’s mercy. God’s desire is to save not to condemn.
If God has shown us mercy the only way to respond is by being merciful to others. This isn’t just about God paying off our debt to Him; it is about our hearts being changed by the experience.
Our faith in Jesus is not about following a set of rules but following the things that are on God’s heart – justice, mercy and faithfulness
Verse 13 speaks about the deeds that come from wisdom. Mercy does not earn us God’s favour; it is part of the expression of a life lived with Him and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Act
How do we show mercy to people that we interact with each day?
Is this easier with people we know or strangers? At home or at work?
4. Pray
Situations in which mercy is required or where you need to show mercy
For anyone that needs your forgiveness
For anyone from whom you need forgiveness
