Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6) n (Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV) “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV) “And seeing the (Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV) “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.when He was seated His disciples came to Him. {2} {2} Then He opened His mouth and taught them, Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:saying: {3} {3} “Blessed “Blessed are are the poor in spirit, For the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {4} {4} Blessed Blessed are are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. {5} {5} Blessed Blessed are are the meek, For they shall inherit the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.the earth.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

{6} {6} Blessed Blessed are are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.righteousness, For they shall be filled. {7} {7} Blessed Blessed are are the merciful, For they shall obtain the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.mercy. {8} {8} Blessed Blessed are are the pure in heart, For the pure in heart, For they shall see God.they shall see God. {9} {9} Blessed Blessed are are the the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.God. {10} {10} Blessed are those who are Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.the kingdom of heaven.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

{11} {11} “Blessed are you when they revile and “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.against you falsely for My sake. {12} {12} “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is is your reward in heaven, for so they your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before persecuted the prophets who were before you.”you.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The words here express strong craving: Gr. The words here express strong craving: Gr. peinontes (peinao), peinontes (peinao), "to be hungry, suffer "to be hungry, suffer hunger, to be famished, to crave after" hunger, to be famished, to crave after" (Liddell‑Scott). (Liddell‑Scott).

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The words here express strong craving: Gr. The words here express strong craving: Gr. peinontes (peinao), peinontes (peinao), "to be hungry, suffer "to be hungry, suffer hunger, to be famished, to crave after" hunger, to be famished, to crave after" (Liddell‑Scott). (Liddell‑Scott).

The same is true for "thirst," Gr. The same is true for "thirst," Gr. dipsontes dipsontes (dipsao), (dipsao), "to thirst after, to desire strongly" "to thirst after, to desire strongly" (Thayer).(Thayer).

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

We do not know what this kind of hunger We do not know what this kind of hunger and thirst is like! This is the same word to and thirst is like! This is the same word to describe Jesus' 40 day fast in the describe Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. wilderness. (Mt 4:2)(Mt 4:2)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Matthew 4:2 NKJV) (Matthew 4:2 NKJV) “And when He had “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”He was hungry.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

We do not know what this kind of hunger We do not know what this kind of hunger and thirst is like! This is the same word to and thirst is like! This is the same word to describe Jesus' 40 day fast in the describe Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. wilderness. (Mt 4:2)(Mt 4:2)

Here it describes a hunger that does not Here it describes a hunger that does not come naturally but rather one that is come naturally but rather one that is learned. God wants it to become learned. God wants it to become overpowering in our lives.overpowering in our lives.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one ceases being hungry?one ceases being hungry?

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one ceases being hungry?one ceases being hungry?

Fruits of this craving in our lives.Fruits of this craving in our lives.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one ceases being hungry?one ceases being hungry?

Fruits of this craving in our lives.Fruits of this craving in our lives.– We want to know more about God and draw as We want to know more about God and draw as

close as we can to Him. close as we can to Him. (Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)(Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Psalms 63:1 NKJV)(Psalms 63:1 NKJV) “O God, You “O God, You are are my my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.”and thirsty land Where there is no water.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Psalms 84:1-5 NKJV)(Psalms 84:1-5 NKJV) “How lovely “How lovely is is Your Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts!tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! {2} {2} My soul My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.living God. {3} {3} Even the sparrow has found a Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young; Where she may lay her young; Even Even Your Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.God.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

{4} {4} Blessed Blessed are are those who dwell in Your those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. house; They will still be praising You. SelahSelah {5} {5} Blessed Blessed is is the man whose the man whose strength strength is is in You, Whose heart in You, Whose heart is is set on set on pilgrimage.”pilgrimage.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one ceases being hungry?one ceases being hungry?

Fruits of this craving in our lives.Fruits of this craving in our lives.– We want to know more about God and draw as We want to know more about God and draw as

close as we can to Him. close as we can to Him. (Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)(Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)– When we know God, we will hunger and thirst! When we know God, we will hunger and thirst!

(1 Pt 2:1-3)(1 Pt 2:1-3)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV)(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV) “Therefore, laying “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,and all evil speaking, {2} {2} as newborn babes, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,may grow thereby, {3} {3} if indeed you have if indeed you have tasted that the Lord tasted that the Lord is is gracious.”gracious.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one Hunger and thirst is a sign of life! What if one ceases being hungry?ceases being hungry?

Fruits of this craving in our lives.Fruits of this craving in our lives.– We want to know more about God and draw as We want to know more about God and draw as

close as we can to Him. close as we can to Him. (Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)(Psa 63:1; Psa 84:1-5)– When we know God, we will hunger and thirst! When we know God, we will hunger and thirst! (1 (1

Pt 2:1-3)Pt 2:1-3)– These will not run from Bible study and isolate These will not run from Bible study and isolate

themselves from God's people. themselves from God's people. (Mal 3:16-17)(Mal 3:16-17)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Malachi 3:16-17 NKJV)(Malachi 3:16-17 NKJV) “Then those who “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard the LORD listened and heard them; them; So a book So a book of remembrance was written before Him For of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.on His name. {17} {17} “They shall be Mine,” says “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.””man spares his own son who serves him.””

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The blessings of these beatitudesThe blessings of these beatitudes

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The blessings of these beatitudesThe blessings of these beatitudes– The meek shall inherit the earth. The meek shall inherit the earth. (Mt 5:5)(Mt 5:5)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The blessings of these beatitudesThe blessings of these beatitudes– The meek shall inherit the earth. The meek shall inherit the earth. (Mt 5:5)(Mt 5:5)– This is in addition to the new heavens and This is in addition to the new heavens and

earth. earth. (Rev 21:1)(Rev 21:1)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

The blessings of these beatitudesThe blessings of these beatitudes– The meek shall inherit the earth. The meek shall inherit the earth. (Mt 5:5)(Mt 5:5)– This is in addition to the new heavens and This is in addition to the new heavens and

earth. earth. (Rev 21:1)(Rev 21:1)– We as Christian enjoy the true riches of this We as Christian enjoy the true riches of this

life! Do you realize what you have? life! Do you realize what you have? (1 Cor 3:21-23)(1 Cor 3:21-23)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(1 Corinthians 3:21-23 NKJV) (1 Corinthians 3:21-23 NKJV) “Therefore let no one boast in men. For all “Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:things are yours: {22} {22} whether Paul or whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; death, or things present or things to come; all are yours.all are yours. {23} {23} And you And you are are Christ’s, Christ’s, and Christ and Christ is is God’s.”God’s.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.– "These words are very strong and graphic, "These words are very strong and graphic,

originally applied to the feeding and originally applied to the feeding and fattening of animals in a stall.“fattening of animals in a stall.“

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.– "These words are very strong and graphic, "These words are very strong and graphic,

originally applied to the feeding and originally applied to the feeding and fattening of animals in a stall.“fattening of animals in a stall.“

– What do we feed upon? What do we feed upon? (Isa 55:2)(Isa 55:2)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Isaiah 55:2 NKJV) “Why do you spend (Isaiah 55:2 NKJV) “Why do you spend money for money for what is what is not bread, And your not bread, And your wages for wages for what what does not satisfy? Listen does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat carefully to Me, and eat what is what is good, And good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.”let your soul delight itself in abundance.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.– "These words are very strong and graphic, "These words are very strong and graphic,

originally applied to the feeding and originally applied to the feeding and fattening of animals in a stall.“fattening of animals in a stall.“

– What do we feed upon? What do we feed upon? (Isa 55:2)(Isa 55:2)– This is not the false righteousness of the This is not the false righteousness of the

Pharisees! Pharisees! (Mt 5:20; Mt 23:28; Lk 18:9)(Mt 5:20; Mt 23:28; Lk 18:9)

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Matthew 5:20 NKJV) “”For I say to you, (Matthew 5:20 NKJV) “”For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that unless your righteousness exceeds the the righteousness righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”heaven.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Matthew 23:28 NKJV) “”Even so you also (Matthew 23:28 NKJV) “”Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”lawlessness.”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

(Luke 18:9 NKJV) “Also He spoke this (Luke 18:9 NKJV) “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised that they were righteous, and despised others:”others:”

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.– We must cease the struggle of putting ourselves We must cease the struggle of putting ourselves

forward before we can ever find God's forward before we can ever find God's righteousness!righteousness!

those who hunger and thirst those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6)after righteousness (Mt 5:6)

Those who hunger and thirst after Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.righteousness shall be filled.– We must cease the struggle of putting ourselves We must cease the struggle of putting ourselves

forward before we can ever find God's forward before we can ever find God's righteousness!righteousness!

– What are those who find this righteousness What are those who find this righteousness like? like? (Mt 6:33)(Mt 6:33)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)– "The first four beatitudes look toward God, the "The first four beatitudes look toward God, the

next three toward men. Mercifulness, purity in next three toward men. Mercifulness, purity in heart, and peacemaking are virtues which mark heart, and peacemaking are virtues which mark the godly as blessed." --- Jimmy Tutenthe godly as blessed." --- Jimmy Tuten

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)– The world will scoff at these things. But remember, The world will scoff at these things. But remember,

the world will never have this blessedness, or the world will never have this blessedness, or happiness that can only come from God.happiness that can only come from God.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

We are now seeing the fruits of the We are now seeing the fruits of the character of God manifested in our lives. character of God manifested in our lives. (Rom 8:29)(Rom 8:29)– "Up to this point in our discussion we have "Up to this point in our discussion we have

seen stress on man's need and his consciousness seen stress on man's need and his consciousness of that need. Now Jesus lays stress on the of that need. Now Jesus lays stress on the disposition that comes out of that fulfilled disposition that comes out of that fulfilled need." --- Jimmy Tutenneed." --- Jimmy Tuten

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

What is mercy? What is mercy? (Mt 5:7)(Mt 5:7)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

What is mercy? What is mercy? (Mt 5:7)(Mt 5:7)– Merciful is from Gr. "Merciful is from Gr. "eleemon, eleoseleemon, eleos," meaning ," meaning

"mercy, pity, especially on "mercy, pity, especially on account account of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them" (Thayer).relieve them" (Thayer).

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

What is mercy? What is mercy? (Mt 5:7)(Mt 5:7)– Merciful is from Gr. "Merciful is from Gr. "eleemon, eleoseleemon, eleos," meaning ," meaning

"mercy, pity, especially on "mercy, pity, especially on account account of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them" (Thayer).relieve them" (Thayer).

– Mercy denotes Mercy denotes bothboth an attitude and an action. an attitude and an action.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

What is mercy? What is mercy? (Mt 5:7)(Mt 5:7)– Merciful is from Gr. "Merciful is from Gr. "eleemon, eleoseleemon, eleos," meaning ," meaning

"mercy, pity, especially on "mercy, pity, especially on account account of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the of misery" (Berry). "...good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them" (Thayer).relieve them" (Thayer).

– Mercy denotes Mercy denotes bothboth an attitude and an action. an attitude and an action.– It is not enough just to feel for another. It is not enough just to feel for another.

(Jas 2:15-18)(Jas 2:15-18)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Consider some Bible examples of mercy.Consider some Bible examples of mercy.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Consider some Bible examples of mercy.Consider some Bible examples of mercy.– The Good Samaritan showed mercy. The Good Samaritan showed mercy.

(Lk 10:30-37)(Lk 10:30-37)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Consider some Bible examples of mercy.Consider some Bible examples of mercy.– The Good Samaritan showed mercy. The Good Samaritan showed mercy.

(Lk 10:30-37)(Lk 10:30-37)– The publican wanted mercy. The publican wanted mercy. (Lk 18:13)(Lk 18:13)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Consider some Bible examples of mercy.Consider some Bible examples of mercy.– The Good Samaritan showed mercy. The Good Samaritan showed mercy.

(Lk 10:30-37)(Lk 10:30-37)– The publican wanted mercy. The publican wanted mercy. (Lk 18:13)(Lk 18:13)– The ten lepers received mercy from Jesus. The ten lepers received mercy from Jesus.

(Lk 17:13)(Lk 17:13)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit. Mercy and love:Mercy and love: "Love has man as its "Love has man as its

object because of humanity, whatever the object because of humanity, whatever the state. Mercy is extended specifically because state. Mercy is extended specifically because suffering and affliction. Love is toward suffering and affliction. Love is toward mankind per se, where mercy is toward men mankind per se, where mercy is toward men because of imperfections, with a desire to because of imperfections, with a desire to bring relief." --- Jimmy Tutenbring relief." --- Jimmy Tuten

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit.Mercy works with other fruits of the Spirit. Mercy and grace:Mercy and grace: "The noun "The noun "eleos" "eleos" and its and its

derivatives always deal with what we see of derivatives always deal with what we see of pain, misery, and distress, the results of sin; and pain, misery, and distress, the results of sin; and "charis," "charis," 'grace,' always deals with the sin and 'grace,' always deals with the sin and guilt itself. The one extends relief, the other guilt itself. The one extends relief, the other pardon ... With God pardon ... With God charis charis (grace) is always (grace) is always first and first and eleos eleos (mercy) second." - R.C.H. (mercy) second." - R.C.H. LenskiLenski

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

How do you view the weaknesses of others?How do you view the weaknesses of others?

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

How do you view the weaknesses of others?How do you view the weaknesses of others? Brethren may say: "I do not have to like Brethren may say: "I do not have to like

you," "I have no patience for him," Often you," "I have no patience for him," Often this is a sure sign of having no mercy.this is a sure sign of having no mercy.

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

How do you view the weaknesses of others?How do you view the weaknesses of others? Brethren may say: "I do not have to like Brethren may say: "I do not have to like

you," "I have no patience for him," Often you," "I have no patience for him," Often this is a sure sign of having no mercy.this is a sure sign of having no mercy.

Mercy will go a long way in keeping the Mercy will go a long way in keeping the tongue from falsely attacking tongue from falsely attacking brethren! brethren! (Mt 12:7)(Mt 12:7)

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Even the world talks about mercy. What they have Even the world talks about mercy. What they have does not come from God! does not come from God!

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

Even the world talks about mercy. What they have Even the world talks about mercy. What they have does not come from God! does not come from God!

"Mercy is a quality not wholly unknown even in a "Mercy is a quality not wholly unknown even in a world of basically self‑seeking men. But it is a world of basically self‑seeking men. But it is a selective, capricious mercy that does not move from selective, capricious mercy that does not move from principle and is not a settled disposition of the heart principle and is not a settled disposition of the heart and character. The same man who is capable of and character. The same man who is capable of occasional compassion still finds the sorrows of others occasional compassion still finds the sorrows of others

too burdensome and revenge too sweet." too burdensome and revenge too sweet." - Paul - Paul EarnhartEarnhart

The sign of God's Character in us --- The sign of God's Character in us --- MercifulnessMercifulness (Mt 5:6)(Mt 5:6)

God pleads with us to have mercy. God pleads with us to have mercy. (Col 3:12; Hos 6:6, 12:6)(Col 3:12; Hos 6:6, 12:6)