Mercy Begets Mercy

Mercy Begets Mercy
from “Jesus’ Attitudes of Happiness” Series

“There is with every soul a thirst for happiness and meaning.”
-Thomas Aquinas

Happiness is the byproduct of Christ-like character.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

3 General Lessons of the 8 Beatitudes

1. All Christians are to be like this.
2. All Christians are to manifest all of these attitudes.
3. None of these occur naturally. They are produced by God’s grace by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (NIV)

“Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.” (NJB)

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘careful’ you find yourselves being cared for.” (The Message)

“God blesses those who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!” (CEV)

“Happy are the kind and merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.” (LB)

The Hebrew word for mercy is chesedh. We don’t have an English word for it. Sympathy comes close, as it is derived from two Greek words: syn which means together with, and pathos which means to experience or to suffer.

1. Throughout scripture, God promises that he will be merciful to us. (Luke 1:50) (Ephesians 2:4-6) (Titus 3:5)
   Mercy comes from God, and as we are merciful to others, more mercy comes to us!
2. The principle of proportionate return is often stated in scripture.
   Many would symbolize giving with a [ – ] sign. In God’s economy, He uses a [ x ] sign.
3. The prescription for happiness – find someone who is hurting and be merciful to them.

We are surrounded by wounded people.

Think of Jesus and his wounds: His fact, palms brow, side, back, and then the secret wound.

The way out of our woundedness is mercy to others, which is the product of the Holy Spirit within you.

Personal Notes: