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Journey Through the Bible

A Deep Dive into Matthew 5:7: Meaning and Explanation

Matthew 5:7 is a verse from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers profound teachings that form the foundation of Christian ethics. This particular verse states, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” With this, Jesus highlights mercy’s critical role in our spiritual and moral lives. This article explores the meaning and explanation of Matthew 5:7 and its practical implications for daily living.

Context of Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that covers a broad range of moral and religious principles. Within this sermon, Matthew 5:7 stands out as a beatitude, a declaration of blessedness, that underscores the virtue of mercy as a pivotal component of Christian character.

Meaning of Mercy

  • Compassion and Forgiveness: Mercy, in the biblical sense, involves showing compassion and forgiveness to others, even when they might not deserve it. It’s an action-oriented virtue, compelling us to help those in need and forgive those who have wronged us.
  • Mirror of God’s Character: By being merciful, we emulate God’s own merciful nature. This verse encourages believers to reflect God’s character by extending benevolence and understanding in their interactions.

Explanation of Matthew 5:7

  1. Blessed are the Merciful:
    • This part of the verse emphasizes that those who practice mercy are blessed, suggesting spiritual and moral fulfillment.
  2. For They Shall Obtain Mercy:
    • The promise here is reciprocal; those who show mercy will receive mercy in return, both from God and others, illustrating a divine principle of reciprocal compassion.

Key Lessons and Applications

  • Encouragement to Act: We are encouraged to actively express mercy in our lives, which aligns with living a Christ-like life.
  • Fostering Community: Practicing mercy helps to build compassionate communities where forgiveness and support are prevalent.

Summary

Matthew 5:7 offers a simple yet profound message on the importance of mercy in our lives. By understanding and applying this verse, we foster a spirit of kindness and understanding that echoes in our personal interactions and enhances our spiritual growth. The promise of receiving mercy in return further motivates believers to live with compassion, thus contributing positively to a world in need of empathy and grace.

Cross References for Matthew 5:7

Micah 6:8 - He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly an... Click to read the verse Micah 6:8 Click to read the verse Micah 6:8

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find... Click to read the verse Hebrews 4:16 Click to read the verse Hebrews 4:16

1 Timothy 1:13 - Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy becau... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:13 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:13

Joshua 2:14 - “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will ... Click to read the verse Joshua 2:14 Click to read the verse Joshua 2:14

Proverbs 11:17 - A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:17 Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:17

Daniel 4:27 - Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, a... Click to read the verse Daniel 4:27 Click to read the verse Daniel 4:27

James 2:13 - because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumph... Click to read the verse James 2:13 Click to read the verse James 2:13

1 Timothy 1:16 - But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus mi... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:16 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:16

Psalms 112:4 - Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous ... Click to read the verse Psalms 112:4 Click to read the verse Psalms 112:4

Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, ki... Click to read the verse Colossians 3:12 Click to read the verse Colossians 3:12

Matthew 6:14-15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Click to read the verse Matthew 6:14-15 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:14-15

Hebrews 6:10 - God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have hel... Click to read the verse Hebrews 6:10 Click to read the verse Hebrews 6:10

Proverbs 19:17 - He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. Click to read the verse Proverbs 19:17 Click to read the verse Proverbs 19:17

1 Peter 2:10 - Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy,... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 2:10 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 2:10

Luke 6:35 - But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back... Click to read the verse Luke 6:35 Click to read the verse Luke 6:35

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, sub... Click to read the verse James 3:17 Click to read the verse James 3:17

Psalms 112:9 - He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will... Click to read the verse Psalms 112:9 Click to read the verse Psalms 112:9

Psalms 37:26 - They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Click to read the verse Psalms 37:26 Click to read the verse Psalms 37:26

Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Click to read the verse Hosea 6:6 Click to read the verse Hosea 6:6

Job 31:16-22 - “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, Click to read the verse Job 31:16-22 Click to read the verse Job 31:16-22

Proverbs 14:21 - He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Click to read the verse Proverbs 14:21 Click to read the verse Proverbs 14:21

2 Timothy 1:16-18 - May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was ... Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 1:16-18 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 1:16-18

Isaiah 57:1 - The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one... Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:1 Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:1

2 Timothy 1:16 - May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was ... Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 1:16 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 1:16

1 Samuel 26:24 - As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all tr... Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 26:24 Click to read the verse 1 Samuel 26:24

Psalms 18:25 - To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Click to read the verse Psalms 18:25 Click to read the verse Psalms 18:25

2 Samuel 2:6 - May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor bec... Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 2:6 Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 2:6

Proverbs 14:22 - Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Click to read the verse Proverbs 14:22 Click to read the verse Proverbs 14:22

2 Samuel 22:26 - “To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 22:26 Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 22:26

Hosea 2:23 - I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved ... Click to read the verse Hosea 2:23 Click to read the verse Hosea 2:23

Acts 16:30 - He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Click to read the verse Acts 16:30 Click to read the verse Acts 16:30

Hosea 1:6 - Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-R... Click to read the verse Hosea 1:6 Click to read the verse Hosea 1:6

2 Chronicles 28:11 - Now listen to me! Send back your fellow countrymen you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s ... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 28:11 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 28:11

2 Corinthians 4:1 - Treasures in Jars of Clay Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not... Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 4:1 Click to read the verse 2 Corinthians 4:1

Psalms 109:16 - For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the b... Click to read the verse Psalms 109:16 Click to read the verse Psalms 109:16

1 Corinthians 7:25 - Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lor... Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 7:25 Click to read the verse 1 Corinthians 7:25

Psalms 41:1-4 - Psalm 41 For the director of music. A psalm of David. Blessed is he who has regard for the weak... Click to read the verse Psalms 41:1-4 Click to read the verse Psalms 41:1-4

Matthew 18:33-35 - Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ Click to read the verse Matthew 18:33-35 Click to read the verse Matthew 18:33-35

Proverbs 11:25 - A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:25 Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:25

Ephesians 4:32-1 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:32-1 Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:32-1

Luke 6:37 - Judging Others “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be c... Click to read the verse Luke 6:37 Click to read the verse Luke 6:37

Hosea 2:1 - “Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.’ Click to read the verse Hosea 2:1 Click to read the verse Hosea 2:1

Romans 11:30 - Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of thei... Click to read the verse Romans 11:30 Click to read the verse Romans 11:30

Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Fath... Click to read the verse Mark 11:25 Click to read the verse Mark 11:25

Isaiah 58:6-12 - “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 58:6-12 Click to read the verse Isaiah 58:6-12