![Blessed are the Merciful](https://dq5pwpg1q8ru0.cloudfront.net/2021/10/12/08/23/01/c00363f4-12b9-49c4-ad4e-707da0914360/Title%20slide.png)
A recurring line in the Gospels is the citation from the Book of Hosea, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hos 6:6). By it the writers are arguing that at the core of true faith is a heart of compassion, mercy and grace and not one of legalistic rule-keeping. Jesus recognizes the essential nature of mercy by highlighting it in the centre of the Beatitudes saying “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). To this end Jesus reminds us that the journey of faith is best revealed in the actions of forgiveness, kindness, and generosity and not in punctilious adherence to rules.