Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy, MAT 5:7.

 The first four beatitudes explain the work of regeneration which is the work of the Holy Spirit working grace in the soul. The second four beatitudes explain conversion which is the fruit of regeneration. Each of the last seven beatitudes rise above the one that precedes it, as steps in a staircase. Likewise, it is not until the Spirit gives us to see our spiritual poverty that we will ever mourn over our sin.

When one truly sees his spiritual poverty, mourns over sin, learns true meekness, and a true hunger and thirst after righteousness--the fruit of these graces will be conversion. In the way of conversion he will become "merciful...pure in heart...peacemakers," and willing to suffer persecution for right doing.

 Peter had experienced the work of regeneration, and saw his portion in Christ as is evident from MAT 16:17, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." At a later date, when Peter seemed to stand so strong in his own strength, Jesus reproved him saying, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren," LUK 22:32.

 To be merciful is to be forgiving. "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses," MAR 11:25-26. In MAT 18:26-34 our Saviour tells of one who was condemned because he showed no mercy after he had obtained mercy. "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment," JAM 2:13.

 Mercy is a one-sided love. It is to overlook injuries, and show love to an offender. David showed mercy to King Saul. Saul was out hunting David to kill him, and the Lord put Saul in David's hands. "And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee," 1 SA 24:4. So what was it that seemed good unto David, to do unto Saul? To show "MERCY"!

 King Saul gave us a beautiful definition of mercy in, 1SA 24:17 "And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil." Jesus said in LUK 6:35-36, "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."

 Jesus said in MAT 25:34-40 that those who are merciful to the poor shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Amen.