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The Weightier Matters (Part 3): Mercy

Article by Staff

The weighty matters of judgment, mercy, and faith stand as critical pillars in living a life aligned with God's expectations. Judgment, when perverted as the Pharisees did by prioritizing self-interest over others, leads to a distorted sense of righteousness, focusing on personal gain rather than fairness. They placed their desires above the needs of others, even to the extent of exploiting the vulnerable, showing no regard for true justice. Mercy, closely tied to grace, holds equal importance. It is not automatic but a deliberate act of pardon, much like a governor releasing a prisoner from a deserved penalty. Yet, mercy does not negate the law; if one falls back into sin, the penalty returns unless mercy is extended again. God, in His love, offers mercy to those who repent from the heart, unable to refuse forgiveness when sincerely sought, for His mercy endures forever. However, He reserves the right to decide to whom He shows mercy, pondering the heart and attitude of each individual. God leans toward mercy, repeating His desire for mercy over sacrifice, and declares that the merciful shall obtain mercy, establishing a cause-and-effect principle. He requires us to show mercy, making it an absolute necessity, not merely a suggestion. Christ instructs us to handle offenses with mercy, keeping conflicts private when possible to avoid humiliating the offender, and to forgive infinitely, mirroring God's enduring mercy. Severe penalties await those who refuse to extend mercy, as judgment without mercy will be shown to the merciless, while mercy triumphs over judgment. Faith, as the final weighty matter, complements judgment and mercy, forming a triad of essential principles. Together, these matters guide us to treat others as we wish to be treated, recognizing that Christ takes personally how we handle every human interaction. Our hope of receiving mercy from Him at His return hinges on the mercy we have shown, determining our eternal outcome. Pursuing righteousness and mercy leads to life, righteousness, and honor, underscoring the profound importance of these weighty matters.

The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment

Article by Staff

Jesus lists judgment as the first of the weightier matters in Matthew 23. Judgment is a major part of Christianity, but needs to be properly understood.

The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity

Article by Staff

Faith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.

The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Mercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.

The Weightier Matters (Part 1): Introduction

Article by Staff

Jesus blasts the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, telling them they ignore the 'weightier matters.' We must focus on certain virtues as we keep God's law.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.

Tithing

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The biblical system of tithing has been a point of controversy among Christians for centuries. Was the law of tithing changed for Christ's church?

The Pharisees (Part 3)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although the Pharisees imposed harsh regulations, they found loopholes for themselves while proudly and hypocritically displaying their piety for show.

The Law of Liberty

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Protestant theologians have created an artificial divide between mercy and law-keeping, asserting that 'the law of liberty' does away with God's Law.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.

Matthew (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Those who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.