Review: Last week we discussed hungering and thirsting for righteousness.  As you consider the past few days, were there any moments (either big or small) that you found yourself hungering for Jesus, or any moments (either big or small) that you found yourself satisfied by Him? 

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence.  Then read over the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12) once again.  Why is it important to read them all in context with one another? ​

Phil focused our attention on verse 7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."  What comes to mind as you hear these words of Jesus? Do you find them comforting or challenging, and why? 

Read the parable that Jesus shares about mercy in Matthew 18:21-35. What is the lesson of this story in general? What is the lesson for you specifically?

Phil highlighted how easy it is for us to be like the unmerciful servant in the story.  Why is that do you think? Why is that for you? 

Being merci-FULL is not something we can muster up on our own.  It is the gift of God. Former pastor and author John Stott wrote, "Nothing moves us to forgive like the sense of wonder that we ourselves have been forgiven." Read Romans 5:8, and take a moment in silent wonder of God's incredible mercy toward you. Then, if in a group, discuss together. 

Another former pastor and author James Boice said, ”What you believe must always affect your conduct.” Read Romans 12:1. How might God be calling you to respond "in view of His mercy" (NIV)? Where or with whom might He be calling you to be merciful? 

Going back to question six, we don't have what it takes on our own for this.  We need the supernatural help of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Phil mentioned that one way he tries to let God help him is by practicing to pray the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). In particular, he says he takes his time praying through v 12. Both in the receiving of God's mercy and the giving of God's mercy. Consider the CS Lewis quote: “To be Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life- to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife… how can we do it? Only I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us." Take a few minutes to pray through the Lord's prayer, and consider making this a daily practice for the next week.