“You’re blessed when you care.
At the moment of being ‘care-full,’
you find yourselves cared for.”
Matthew 5:7 (The Message)
We are called to be careFULL in a world
that at times can be extremely careLESS.
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 New International Version (NIV)
Mercy (American Heritage Dictionary)
– to offer compassionate treatment
– to have disposition to be kind
– to have a tendency to reduce punishment
– to be caring and forgiving
Mercy – hesed (hebrew)
– Getting inside the other person to see through their eyes, think through their mind, feel with their feelings.
– Lovingkindness
– Tenderhearted
True mercy (hesed) is never deserved.
It goes above and beyond what is expected, deserved, and called for.
It is the ultimate expression of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
“…forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12 New King James Version
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
Galatians 6:7 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world —
your mind and heart — put right.
Then you can see God in the outside world.
Matthew 5:8 (The Message)
Spiritual Disciplines
Scripture – Devotion – Prayer
Worship – Sabbath – Confession
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Matthew 5:8 NIV)
pure – katharos (Greek)