Article October 18, 1924 ISSUE

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy"

JEKAB GREENBLAT

The practical value of this beatitude, presented by the master Metaphysician in the simplest form of language, is inestimable. Here we have "mercy," an attribute of God, presented to us, as well as the means of obtaining it. But lest there should remain any doubt about what the word "merciful" means, besides his parables and his example, Jesus has left us this further instruction: "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven," thus pointing the way for us.

Demonstration, not mere profession, is required. In order to be "merciful," we must refrain from judging and from condemning unjustly; futhermore, we must be forgiving. The principal battle ground, therefore, is in our own individual consciousness. As we proceed to examine ourselves, lest we be found guilty of judging unrighteous judgment, we find that much of what appears to be harmless criticism has to be discarded, when tested by the question, Is it constructive or destructive? Thus uncovered, self-righteousness, intolerance, or injustice in any form, must flee. If wise, then, instead of condemning our fellow-man, we begin to regard him compassionately. We cease to seek Truth for personal benefits only, but like Mary Magdalen, repentant and meek, through deeds of repentance, thus proving our readiness to receive more of divine mercy.

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