Matthew 5:7-8
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
[8] “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Head: What are the blessings of showing mercy to others.
Heart: In what areas of your heart would you like to see more purity?
Hands: What does it look like to show mercy to a friend?
It is right to show mercy to others. But true mercy is shown only when we first embrace the mercy that we have received. Do you realize that God has shown you incredible mercy? You and I deserved His condemnation and punishment because of our rebellion against Him, but He did not judge us. Rather, He sent Jesus to take that punishment upon Himself to pay our penalty, and He then let us become His children to live in security and intimacy with God. The beauty of showing mercy to others is that when you show mercy, you gain a deeper experience of the mercy that God has given to you.
For greater intimacy with God, seek to have a more pure heart. But how do you clean your heart? You don't do it yourself. You have it done for you, by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12 says "Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." BE transformed, by the renewing of your mind. And this is something that God does in you. So ask for it, and ask for the right reason. Ask God for a pure heart in order for you to see God and know God.
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.