In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels delves into the Beatitude 'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy' from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He explores the concept of mercy, its definitions in Hebrew and Greek, and its application in today's world, especially in light of recent tragic events. Russ shares personal reflections and biblical stories to illustrate how mercy can transform lives and societies.

Inside the episode:

• Mercy is love in action toward people in distress.
• Mercy is not weakness or ignoring sin.
• Mercy involves compassion, forgiveness, and patience.
• Hebrew words for mercy: hesed and rahamim.
• Greek word for mercy: eleio, meaning to help the afflicted.
• Mercy doesn't excuse evil but chooses compassion over revenge.
• Jesus embodied mercy, offering forgiveness and redemption.
• Mercy flows from God's character, as seen in Psalm 103.
• Forgiveness is releasing the right to revenge.
• Mercy transforms individuals and societies.