Matthew 5:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similarly, the successive heights of the beatitudes prepare souls to approach the truly blessed God, established in complete joy. Just as we are drawn to the wise through wisdom and to the pure through purity, we are also transformed to the blessed through the beatitudes, for these virtues reflect the essence of God. Hence, Jacob remarked about God being situated on such a ladder (Genesis 28:12-13). Thus, being partakers of the beatitudes equates to communion with the divine nature, which the Lord guides us to understand in His teachings.

In discussing the beatitudes, the Lord seems to convey a profound truth to those who listen and understand. He states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." The Scriptures frequently describe God’s immense power as merciful. David, Jonah, and Moses, among others, affirm this divine attribute. If it is appropriate to describe God as gracious, then does the Word not likewise invite us to embody divinity through the grace of mercy? If God is called merciful and the Godhead truly blessed, it follows that any individual exhibiting mercy is endowed with a divine blessing and has drawn nearer to that which God embodies. The Lord is merciful and just; indeed, our God is compassionate (Psalm 114:4). Is it not a greater blessing for humanity to reflect the nature of God in their actions?

The divine Apostle also encourages us to aspire toward the higher gifts (1 Cor. 12:31). However, our goal should not merely be to desire good things, for the human spirit naturally longs for what is good—but rather, we must be cautious in discerning what constitutes true goodness. So often our lives are misguided because we struggle to differentiate between genuine good and deceptive appearances. If vices were presented in their raw, unadorned forms, humanity would scarcely be tempted by them. Therefore, we need wisdom to grasp the meaning of these teachings and to mold ourselves accordingly. God's truth is inherently present in all, yet due to ignorance of God’s true nature, we sometimes honor false representations. Some see the true God as revealed in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while others misplace honor in the created rather than the Creator, thereby opening doors to wickedness with their errors.

Thus, when contemplating the meaning at hand, failing to grasp its essence could result in harm to those who stray from the truth. What, then, is grace and its purpose? Why is the one who gives and receives love considered blessed? It is written, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall have mercy." This saying highlights the call to mutual love and compassion; given the inequities of worldly circumstances, our experiences vary greatly concerning dignity, health, wealth, and societal standing. Life often presents stark contrasts: bondage versus freedom, wealth against poverty, and honor versus disgrace. The Lord commands us to show mercy to those less fortunate because true compassion arises from a soul softened by understanding another’s plight.

As cruelty puts barriers between people, mercy creates an affinity with the suffering, allowing those afflicted to receive comfort. Mercy can be understood as a heartfelt sorrow in relation to another's misfortunes. Just as cruelty stems from hatred, mercy is rooted in love, and it is through this loving disposition that we find true compassion. In all human emotions, love stands as the most powerful force, and grace strengthens that love. Truly virtuous individuals embody this disposition; yet let it not be presumed that virtue relies solely on tangible assets. One who desires good yet lacks opportunity to express it is virtuous in intent, just as much as one who acts.

If everyone were to cultivate a compassion-filled mindset toward those in need, earthly divisions would dissolve—no longer would poverty burden, nor would domination humiliate, because all would share in equal rights and fellowship, voluntarily caring for one another's needs. A world where abundance willingly meets scarcity would see the end of animosity, envy, hatred, and deceit, which would take root and wither away. In the absence of mercilessness, all vices would be uprooted, giving way to virtues such as peace, truth, and goodness. Is there a greater blessing than living a life secured not by locks and barriers, but through mutual compassion and connection?

The merciful heart fosters goodwill, drawing others toward kindness. Therefore, mercy is the wellspring of favor, the foundation of love, and the essence of all amicable relations. With this reliable support, what could be more steadfast in this life? It is fitting that the gracious are honored, for their very name is synonymous with favor. While all recognize the value of this teaching for life, I sense a deeper mystery lies within it, suggesting realities beyond the immediate. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall have mercy," speaks to a profound truth in the nature of creation, implying that goodness springs forth from our very essence, not from external sources. We draw upon this treasury of virtue within ourselves.

The Scriptures affirm that the kingdom of God resides within us (Luke 17:21), and that those who seek shall find (Matthew 7:8). This means that receiving and partaking in God’s goodness is governed by our wills, which incline toward goodness or evil of our own accord. Therefore, the inclination toward evil isn’t thrust upon us by necessity; it arises with our consent. In essence, the moral agency entrusted to humanity means that our lives—with all their goodness and wickedness—are reflections of our own choices. Divine justice, accordance with our choices, will yield rewards based on our actions. The Apostle teaches that those who pursue righteousness shall inherit eternal life, while those who reject truth shall face wrath and tribulation (Rom. 2:7-8).

Just as mirrors reflect true images, the righteous judgment of God correlates directly with our choices. “Come, you blessed” (Matthew 25:31); conversely, “depart from me” (Matthew 25:41), is a reflection of moral realities. Did those on the right obtain mercy for their deeds, while those on the left suffered the consequences of their cruelty? The rich man ignored the needs of the beggar and, in doing so, forfeited his mercy in the afterlife. His greed kept him locked away from true generosity, leaving him vulnerable when judgment came.

For us, it’s crucial to understand the Lord’s teaching on mercy, urging us to embody compassion and to become blessed through it, as we seek to walk in the way of Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory and dominion forever.

If we each strive towards righteousness with such intensity, our focus will naturally be on the righteousness we seek; for in our hunger and thirst, there is a necessity to yearn for that which fulfills us.

We now arrive at the fifth beatitude: blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. No one can impart to another what they have not first received for themselves. Thus, when a person acknowledges mercy in their own life and becomes enriched with truth, they begin to empathize with the suffering of others and pray for the transgressors. By fostering mercy even toward their adversaries, they construct a substantial foundation of mercy in anticipation of the Lord’s arrival through this love. Hence, it is affirmed: blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

If they possess anything, they assist the needy with sincere generosity, and when they do not have material goods, they provide guidance on matters vital for the salvation of the soul, heeding the words of the one who stated, "Without guile have I learned, and without envy do I teach" (Prem. 7:13). These are the genuine merciful, who find favor with the Lord Jesus Christ. Through such acts of mercy, they ascend like a ladder toward the perfect purity of their souls.

When one hears, "Blessed are the merciful," let them evaluate their own mercifulness. Who, then, are the compassionate? Are they simply those who provide financial aid and sustenance to others? No, true mercy is not confined to these actions alone; it requires a merciful heart. Those who show true compassion are those who sacrifice for the love of Christ, who has made sacrifices for us, and while they may lack material gifts for the needy, they remember the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the sick. Often, when they encounter these individuals, their hearts overflow with pity, and they weep, resembling Job, who expressed, "But I weep for every weak person" (Job 30:25). When they have resources, they offer help with genuine kindness, and in times of scarcity, they impart essential teachings for the salvation of the soul, adhering to the pronouncement of the one who taught, "I teach those who have not learned unworthily, without envy" (Prem. 7:13). Such individuals are the truly compassionate, who are cherished by the Lord Jesus Christ. Through their acts of mercy, they climb the ladder to attain perfect purity of soul.

Though the needy may survive without specific assistance, true life and salvation are unattainable without the spirit of mercy. If one is unwilling to show compassion to those who share in our humanity, how can they rightfully expect God’s mercy? Reflecting on this and many similar truths, those who honor the commandments should contribute not only their possessions but also their very souls for the sake of their neighbors, for this represents the essence of true love. Just as Christ willingly gave His life for us, He provided a model for us all to follow— to offer our lives for others, not just for friends but also for adversaries, especially in times of need.

It is not necessary to possess material wealth to extend mercy; rather, the inability to share should not equate to a lack of compassion. Even those who have little can still offer mercy to all, thus aiding the needy while remaining detached from worldly possessions and remaining compassionate towards others. Teaching should not come from a place of pride, but from genuine action, ensuring that in helping the vulnerable, we ourselves do not become more fragile than those we seek to support. Every situation demands patience and discernment to prevent interventions that are ill-timed or unnecessary. It is often better for the weak to be distanced from burdens, and the generous spirit is far more valuable than mere acts of charity.

Such charitable assistance should come from possessions that have been obtained honestly and through righteous effort, as the Scripture advises, “Honor the Lord with your righteous labor, and give Him a portion from the fruits of your righteousness” (Proverbs 3:9). Furthermore, alms must not only be given to those who publicly beg or reside in charitable institutions but also to individuals who, due to their shyness, cannot request help. However, one should be cautious that the act of charity remains private, avoiding public accolades, as Christ instructs: “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2). What is the second act of mercy? To provide drink to the thirsty, meaning those who lack the means to quench their thirst due to poverty or fragility. This encompasses all forms of drink during times of thirst, with the promise that anyone who offers even a cup of cold water to a thirsty person will receive a reward, as our Savior says: “If anyone gives you a cup of water in My name, because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41). This includes all efforts made to assist the poor and weak, who are unable to procure what they need on their own. What is the third act of compassion? To clothe the naked. Those who, moved by compassion for their neighbors, provide clothing to those in need will be rewarded by Jesus Christ on Judgment Day with the words: “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). This refers not only to those who are entirely unclothed but also to those who, although dressed, lack sufficient warmth or face severe challenges due to inadequate clothing. Therefore, the merciful should also extend kindness to these individuals by providing them with garments that shield them from the cold. What is the fourth act of mercy? To visit those imprisoned. In doing so, we should not inquire about the reasons for their incarceration or the nature of their offenses. Regardless of who they are or what they have done, it is our obligation, for the sake of Christ our Lord, to visit and comfort them, helping to prevent them from falling into despair. What is the fifth act of mercy? To visit the sick. Every individual is called to carry out this duty, irrespective of whether the afflicted is a family member, a relative, a friend, or even a stranger. In general, every sick person, especially those in hospitals or markets, regardless of familiarity, should be visited. This includes providing comfort through conversation and expressing genuine compassion for their plight. Additionally, we should encourage the sick to endure their hardships with patience, accepting their situation as part of God’s will and blessing His name for it. They should confidently hope for healing entrusted to God's mercy. Furthermore, it is essential to advise them to approach the Most Pure Mysteries and Holy Chrismation with a contrite and humble heart after confessing their sins, as these sacraments are critical for both spiritual salvation and physical well-being. Continuous prayer for the sick person and involvement of their spiritual leader for sacraments are also vital, even if the sick person is unable to seek help due to poverty. Finally, we should urge them not to succumb to superstition or resort to prohibited practices to regain health through magic; instead, they ought to place their trust solely in God, accepting only medically sound treatments. Such acts of kindness towards the infirm bless the caregiver in this life and the next. If someone is afflicted with a highly contagious disease, a compassionate person should enlist the help of others capable of providing care without risking harm to themselves. What is the sixth act of mercy? To welcome a stranger into one's home with joy and goodwill, particularly those who travel to sacred sites and may rest in villages, such as those who fear God and the poor. Those desiring to partake in this blessing should assist them according to their ability. Greater hospitality should be extended to those found in marketplaces or streets, in dire situations and seeking aid. What is the seventh act of mercy? To bury the dead. This work must be undertaken willingly, with special attention given to those who passed away in extreme poverty, providing for their burial in accordance with Christian customs, much like Tobiah did. Should a loved one die, it is expected that caring and faithful individuals accompany the deceased to the grave with prayers for their soul. How many acts of mercy are there that relate to the soul, and what are they? There are seven. The first is to turn a sinner away from sin and guide him towards a better path, as Scripture indicates: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). This fundamental act of compassion compels the faithful to take concern for their neighbor, aiming for eternal rather than temporal gain. Vigilance is essential during this task to prevent leading the sinner into despair or excessive reliance on God’s mercy, as both can prove detrimental. If unable to undertake this duty, one should seek a more knowledgeable guide. The same principle applies to heretics and those in schism. What is the second act of spiritual charity? To educate the ignorant and unlearned; this involves teaching them how to believe in the one Triune God and how to pray effectively, detailing the commandments of God and how to fulfill them with ease. It also includes efforts to educate orphaned children, ensuring they become beneficial members of the Church and society who will pray for their benefactors. Neglecting this duty can lead to a dire judgement, akin to the one pronounced on a servant who buried a talent without gaining any return (Matthew 25:24-30). What is the third act of spiritual charity? To provide wise counsel to those who seek it. This duty is fulfilled when individuals living immorally receive pious guidance and encouragement towards a more virtuous life. Additionally, when people find themselves in adverse situations lacking solutions, one should willingly offer advice as a remedy to preserve their well-being or dignity. This act also involves alerting a neighbor to dangers that threaten their life or reputation, though care should be taken to avoid inciting conflict. What is the fourth duty of spiritual charity? Prayer for one’s neighbor. This responsibility primarily falls on the spiritual leaders and clergy, followed by laypeople, as highlighted in the Church's seventh commandment. What is the fifth act of spiritual charity? To provide solace to those who are grieving. This task requires that we avoid provoking anger or frustration and refrain from causing sorrow, aligning with the Apostle’s wisdom: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). This obligation is especially pressing for those weighed down by serious sins, illness, or profound grief. What is the sixth work of spiritual charity? To endure offenses with patience. We fulfill this when we bear hardships for Christ’s sake, embracing joy in adversity, for our Lord Jesus Christ bore far greater injustices on our behalf, as stated: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). We should not wish harm upon those who wrong us or retaliate, as stated by the Apostle: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling” (1 Peter 3:9). Instead, we should bless God and pray for our enemies when treated unjustly. What is the seventh act of spiritual charity? To forgive those who have wronged us. We demonstrate this mercy by pardoning the offenses committed against us and praying for the forgiveness of those who have wronged us. We should forgive not just once but repeatedly, as our Savior explained to Peter: “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

The acts of spiritual mercy consist of the following: encouraging the sinner to turn “from his false way” (James 5:20), teaching truth and goodness to those who are uninformed, offering wise and timely counsel to neighbors facing difficulties or dangerous situations they might overlook, praying for our neighbors, comforting the grieving, refraining from retaliating against those who wrong us, and forgiving offenses wholeheartedly. IS IT NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE COMMANDMENT OF MERCY TO PUNISH A DEFENDANT? Punishing a defendant does not contravene the commandment of mercy if it is carried out with proper intent and in good faith, such as to reform the guilty or to safeguard the innocent from their wrongdoing. WHAT DOES THE LORD PROMISE TO THE MERCIFUL? The Lord assures the merciful that they will receive forgiveness. WHAT TYPE OF FORGIVENESS IS INTENDED HERE? This refers to being spared from eternal condemnation for sins before God's judgment.