Beatitudes discussion, part 5: Blessed are the merciful...

[Agaliha]

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

Wesley's Notes (http://wes.biblecommenter.com/matthew/5.htm)
5:7 The merciful - The tender - hearted: they who love all men as themselves: They shall obtain mercy - Whatever mercy therefore we desire from God, the same let us show to our brethren. He will repay us a thousand fold, the love we bear to any for his sake.



Mercy:
–noun, plural -cies for 4, 5.
1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner.
2. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy.
3. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, esp. to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.
4. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.
5. something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened.

Synonyms:
kind, clement, lenient, forgiving, benignant, tender, sympathetic.

dictionary.com

[MoonBreath]

i think a passage like this helps to remind people that there is strength in showing compassion instead of giving into to rage or pettiness. I also believe that in a way it encourages others to put themselves in another person's ( or other creature's :) ) shoes so to speak, to gain a better understanding of what he or she may be going through, how they feel.

[Bix]

I agree with MoonBreath. Also, I think in a roundabout way all the beatitudes are against us being prideful. We should try to not put ourselves above other people. If you think you're above another person, how can you feel merciful for them? By being merciful, you put yourself in their position and show empathy for them.

Not an easy task!