Freedom Calls

In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:7 shine like a beacon: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (NKJV). This simple yet profound Beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount invites us into a life of compassion, promising that those who show mercy will receive it in return. But what does it mean to be merciful? And how can we live out this calling in our daily lives? Let’s dive into Matthew 5:7, uncover the heart of mercy, and explore how it can transform us and our world in 2025.

The Context of Matthew 5:7

Matthew 5:7 is the fifth Beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the values of God’s kingdom. Each Beatitude builds on the last, painting a picture of a life surrendered to God. Coming after humility (5:3), mourning over sin (5:4), meekness (5:5), and hunger for righteousness (5:6), mercy flows naturally as an outward expression of a heart transformed by God’s grace. Jesus’ audience, living under Roman oppression and religious legalism, would have heard this as a radical call to embody God’s compassion in a harsh world.

As Enduring Word Bible Commentary notes, this Beatitude reflects God’s character, who is “merciful and gracious” (Psalm 86:15). It also sets the stage for Jesus’ later teachings, like the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), which underscores the necessity of showing mercy to others.

What Does “Merciful” Mean?

The Greek word for “merciful” in Matthew 5:7 is eleēmōn (Strong’s #1655), meaning compassionate, actively showing pity or kindness, according to Blue Letter Bible. Mercy goes beyond feeling sorry for someone; it’s an action—extending forgiveness, help, or grace to those who don’t deserve it. BibleRef.com explains that the merciful are those who “act with compassion toward others, even when it’s undeserved,” mirroring God’s mercy toward us.

This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where the Hebrew word chesed (often translated “mercy” or “lovingkindness”) describes God’s covenantal love and compassion (e.g., Psalm 103:8). Benson’s Commentary highlights that mercy in Matthew 5:7 includes forgiving wrongs, relieving suffering, and showing kindness, even to enemies. It’s the opposite of hardness or vengeance, reflecting the heart of Jesus, who showed mercy to sinners and outcasts (Luke 7:36-50).

The Promise: “They Shall Obtain Mercy”

The promise that the merciful “shall obtain mercy” is both a present and future blessing. The Greek verb eleeō (Strong’s #1653) implies receiving God’s compassionate help, as Working Preacher notes. In the present, those who show mercy experience God’s grace in their lives, often through forgiveness and peace (James 2:13). In the future, this points to God’s final judgment, where the merciful will receive His compassion (Matthew 25:34-40). The Treasury of Matthew emphasizes that this is not a transactional exchange but a reflection of God’s kingdom principle: those who embody His mercy align with His heart and receive His favor.

This promise echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12), and His warning that the unforgiving risk God’s judgment (Matthew 6:14-15). As Enduring Word puts it, “We can’t expect to receive mercy if we refuse to show it.”

Living Matthew 5:7 in 2025

In a culture often marked by cancel culture, grudges, and self-interest, Matthew 5:7 calls us to be agents of God’s mercy. Here are three practical ways to live out this Beatitude today:

1. Forgive Freely: Mercy begins with letting go of bitterness. Whether it’s a family member who hurt you or a friend who betrayed your trust, choose forgiveness, even if it’s a process. Colossians 3:13 urges us to forgive as Christ forgave us. [Inference] Forgiveness can bring personal peace, though reconciliation depends on the other party’s response.

2. Serve the Hurting: Mercy is active compassion. Look for opportunities to help those in need—volunteering at a food bank, listening to a struggling neighbor, or supporting a local charity. Galatians 6:10 encourages doing good to all. [Inference] Small acts of service can make a tangible impact, though the scope depends on resources and context.

3. Speak with Grace: In conversations, especially online, choose words that build up rather than tear down. Avoid harsh judgments and offer empathy, even to those with differing views. Ephesians 4:29 calls for words that give grace. [Inference] This can foster understanding, though its effectiveness varies by situation.

A Personal Reflection

A few weeks ago, I had a chance to practice mercy when our eleven year old snapped at me during a stressful day. My first instinct was to respond with sarcasm, but Matthew 5:7 came to mind. Instead, I told him that I love him and that he could never say or do anything that would hurt me so bad that I wouldn’t hug him and love him. That small act of kindness shifted our interaction, and we ended up growing closer. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but it reminded me that mercy, even in small doses, reflects God’s heart and opens doors for healing. Your experiences may differ, but mercy often softens hearts, starting with our own.

What’s your story? Has showing mercy changed a situation or relationship for you? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how God’s working through this Beatitude in your life!

Why Mercy Matters

Matthew 5:7 is a call to live differently, reflecting God’s compassion in a world desperate for it. In 2025, when division and judgment often dominate, choosing mercy sets us apart as Christ’s followers. It’s not about being soft or ignoring justice but about showing the same grace we’ve received from God. And the promise? As we pour out mercy, God pours His mercy into us, now and forever.

Let’s close with a prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your boundless mercy toward us. Teach us to be merciful, forgiving and serving others with Your love. Fill us with Your grace, and let our lives reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Study:

• Read Matthew 18:21-35 to see Jesus’ teaching on mercy in action.

• Explore Psalm 103 or Micah 6:8 for more on God’s mercy and our response.

• Dive into resources like Enduring Word or BibleRef.com for deeper insights into the Beatitudes.

Sources:

• Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Matthew 5

• What does Matthew 5:7 mean? | BibleRef.com

• Blue Letter Bible: Matthew 5:7

• Benson’s Commentary: Matthew 5:7

• Working Preacher: Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12

• The Treasury of Matthew: Matthew 5:7

• Strong’s Concordance, Greek #1655 (eleēmōn), #1653 (eleeō)

How is God calling you to show mercy today? Share below, and let’s inspire each other to live out His love!