“In view of God’s mercy” provided by Christ’s sacrifice (My hope is built on nothing less!)

If you are unwilling to view and accept the truth that you deserve and have earned God’s judgment, you won’t be aware of God’s mercy. Instead, you will falsely believe that you’re entitled to God’s favor and blessing.

Mercy is releasing someone from punishment that they justly deserve. Where there are demands and entitlement, there is no room for mercy. Pride never views mercy. It only sees entitlement.

The Beatitudes bring mercy into view. Those who are poor in spirit are aware of their great need God’s mercy. They humbly (meekly) mourn over their rebellion against God (in their actions and in their heart) and that makes their heart hungry and thirsty to fully submit to God’s kingdom authority and to always live according to His righteousness. They are comforted in their brokenness and their heart is purified so that they can continually view God and ever experience His mercy. They make peace with God and become His children as they are no longer led by their own desires but by God’s Spirit. Because they begin to obey God’s will and kingdom authority those who are rejecting God’s mercy will persecute them.