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“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Meaning: Compassionate, helpful, kind, giving towards the weak, sick and the poor
This beatitude hardly seems as paradoxical as some of the other beatitudes. Today, most of us would agree that it is good to be merciful to others. However, when Jesus spoke these words, it was as shocking to the audience, as some other beatitudes.
The Romans despised pity. Being merciful was rather exception. (It reminds me of a scene in coliseum from the movie ‘Gladiator’, when the crowd cheered Maximus for sparing life of Tigris, bestowing him the title “Maximus the Merciful”.)
The Pharisees were also very judgmental to others and showed little mercy. These could also be due to the common perception, that suffering was the result and deserving punishment of personal sin. Jesus accused and condemned the Pharisees for not showing mercy. (Matthew 23:23) Read On…

“Blessed are the Meek, for they will inherit the earth” – This third of 8 beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) is a direct quotation of Psalm 37:11.

A person with humble and gentle heart
It describes a person who is kind and considerate to others, even to those who oppose him, who is easily approachable, not prideful or resentful, not temperamental or harsh.
It is an outward expression of inward humility, strength and spiritual poise. While others may act aggressively, the Meek walks in godly peace, others may claim their rights, the Meek focuses on his duties, while others may seek revenge, the Meek gives way for judgment of God.
It does not imply weak, sad, subdued person or false modesty. But it portrays a man who willfully and joyfully considers his own life worth nothing, when compared to the greatness of God, he has experienced. The words of Paul have similar expression in Phil 3:7-11. Read On…

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