The fifth Beatitude: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
The fifth letter in Revelation:
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:Jesus calls them hypocrites. They are in such a bad state that they are about to die. What does he ask them to do? Wake up and strengthen what they do have.
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Does he ask them to make up for what they have done wrong? No.
Does he tell them they are going to pay some price for their foolishness? No.
Does he tell them since they have failed there is no longer any hope? No.
He is merciful. He only asked for their willingness to see their real state and change - and live.
He also makes it clear that if they are not willing, they will pay a price in the future.
I feel this time and again: God says "Come to me. All I ask is willingness to look at yourself, change and live - everything is forgiven."
Fridays | My relationships are good, and God will build them up
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
- And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
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