Gathering 205: “Blessed are…the merciful”

Beatitudes Radio

Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful." Of all the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this is the only one that is truly reciprocal. Yet it’s this very quality of mercy that draws into question a person’s motive for compassion and kindness. Is demonstrating or showing mercy to another individual done out of a genuine sense of goodwill, or is it more obligatory? If it is more from a sense of obligation, does a person have the right to demand mercy? Join us as we continue our worship series on the eight Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today, Pastor Tony Minear, Ph.D. explores mercy and its power to be the great equalizer when offered and received. Christianity seems to impose time constraints on God’s mercy, but there is moral equity to be gained now simply by showing one another mercy from our inner circle outward. What will you do this week to extend mercy to another human being in your circle or even to yourself? Recorded live at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, AZ on 10/31/21 Preaching: Rev. Tony Minear, Ph.D. Scripture: Matt 5:7; Prov 14:21 Reading: “The quality of mercy is not strained” from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice Scripture Reader: Janelle Tapphorn If you like what you hear, consider donating at: https://beatitudeschurch.org/donate/