Blessed are the Merciful

Matthew 5:7

I.  Introduction

II. What Mercy is not:

Mercy is not ___________.

Mercy is not something ____________.

Mercy must never be confused with ________________.

Mercy is not ____________ before God.

Mercy is not merely a feeling or attitude but a way  of  thinking that results in _____________ action.

III.  The opposite of Mercy

Mercy vs. _____________9:10-13

Mercy vs. ____________________Matthew 23:23

IV. Biblical examples of Mercy

·  Joseph with his brothers (Genesis 37-45)

·  Moses with his sister Miriam (Numbers 12)

·  The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11ff)

·  Jesus going to the cross for us (Gospels)

·  The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

V.  Four dimensions of Mercy

1. ____________________

2. ____________________

3. ____________________

4. ____________________

VI.  Mercy today

·  Those suffering spiritually, physically or financially

·  Emergency care — Star Fish

·  Warning the unsaved

·  Exhorting believers

·  Forgiving a brother

·  Protect someone's name/reputation

·  Praying for all

VII. Why be Merciful:

Matthew 18:21-35 - Parable of The Unmerciful Servant

Matthew 6:14-15 - Forgive so our sins may be forgiven