Text: Matthew 5:10-12 Why the Sermon on the Mount? Jesus was sharing with the crowds a revolutionary conception of reality. He taught that the experiences of humanity, including persecution, are not events to be feared or avoided, but rather accepted with peace of mind and a joyful spirit as a Kingdom citizen. Persecution may come in various forms, such as being… Reproached Harassed Ridiculed Insulted Disparaged Reviled Mocked Impugned Pu

Text: Matthew 5:7 Mercy Defined ž To help the afflicted ž To bring help to the wretched ž To show compassion ž To show forbearance to an offender who may not deserve the kindness Mercy Dealt ž Mercy is the option of the one in power ž Mercy is the option of the one who has been offended ž Mercy is the choice to dismiss the offense and to forego the punitive consequences ž Mercy is the choice to preserve fellowship rather than punish offender