Moved By Mercy

Matthew 5:7; Galatians 5:22

By Stewart McCarter, September 25, 2022

(Matthew 5:7) (Galatians 5:22)

When it comes to mercy, you get what you give.

  1. What does “merciful” mean?
    1. What does it mean?
      1. Illustrated by a parable Matthew 18:23-30
      2. The forgiven
        1. Huge debt, un-repayable
        2. Forgiven - by the king
      3. The unforgiving
        1. Man owes him little
        2. Demands repayment
      4. Society wants to think of themselves as good
        1. We do not think we need forgiveness (83% of people, 77% of christians believe people are basically good.) (Romans 3_10-12)
        2. Once you sinned, no amount of good living negates the sin you already committed
        3. Until you realize how bad you are, you will not realize how good God is (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
        4. Paul never forgot (1 Timothy 1:12-13)
        5. Self righteous people will never be merciful
    2. To whom should we be merciful?
      1. The Poor
      2. The sorrowful around us
      3. Those who offend us
      4. The openly sinful
      5. Souls of all men
    3. How do merciful people act?
      1. Merciful people do not get offended easily (James 1:19)
      2. Merciful people cover up others errors (Proverbs 17:9)
      3. Merciful people let go, forgive people (king released, forgiven grabbed by the throat)
      4. Forgiven people show mercy and forgive people (Matthew 18:34-35)
        1. God will not forgive you if you refuse to forgive others
        2. The danger of unforgiveness
        3. It is not easy, never did the Bible say it would be
  2. How do you receive mercy?
    1. The only beatitude that states you receive what you give
    2. No command but a dire warning if you are not
  3. What is kindness?
  1. Kindness - usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence in character and demeanor, gentleness, goodness, kindness

What about you? 1. Give thanks to God for all He saved you from. 2. Think of the last time you showed mercy instead of being offended. 3. If kindness is fruit of the Holy Spirit and fuel for mercy, do you show mercy to others?