We left off this study in Matthew 5:6. Let’s begin today with 5:7.
Now, notice a shift in focus starting in verse 7.
The first four Beatitudes deal with internal things leading to salvation. Recognizing our spiritual poverty; mourning leading to repentance; humbleness leading to giving God control; growing in faith by feeding on God’s Word.
So, after outlining the necessity of the new birth, Jesus begins to explain what being a Christian looks like. In approaching it this way, Jesus is saying that the internal changes He spoke of will result in specific external characteristics.
The first one He mentions is mercy or forgiveness. This is a message that permeates the entire New Testament. It is a message that we need to hear again and again and again. Our culture is becoming increasingly unforgiving. Instead of forgiving, the first thing on too many people’s minds is getting even.
I want to point out the importance of forgiveness from Jesus’ perspective by giving you a preview of what we’ll look at later. In chapter 6:14-15 we read:
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, th ...
