Beatitudes: Mercy
Johannes emphasizes the importance of mercy in the Christian life, referencing Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." He explains that this principle operates like a boomerang; the way we treat others will return to us. He warns against the dangers of perfectionism and judgment, citing Ecclesiastes 7:16, which cautions against being excessively righteous. Johannes shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how critical attitudes can lead to personal downfall, urging believers to practice mercy and forgiveness. He highlights the need for self-awareness, noting that often the faults we see in others reflect our own struggles. By focusing on God's mercy towards us, we can cultivate a spirit of compassion. He concludes with the reminder that true mercy comes from being in the presence of God and reflecting His love, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Johannes encourages the congregation to seek God's mercy and to extend it to others, reinforcing that our ability to love stems from God's love for us.
- Introduction: Importance of mercy
- Matthew 5:7: The principle of mercy
- Perfectionism and judgment: Dangers of excessive righteousness
- Personal anecdotes: Consequences of critical attitudes
- Self-awareness: Reflection of our own struggles in others
- God's mercy: Source of our compassion
- Conclusion: Seeking God's presence to cultivate mercy
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
