John Calvin Commentary Matthew 5:7

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew 5:7 (ASV)

Happy are the merciful—this paradox, too, contradicts the judgment of humanity.³⁶⁷

The world considers those people to be happy, who give themselves no concern about the distress of others but instead pursue their own comfort.

Christ says that those are happy, who are not only prepared to endure their own afflictions but also to share in the afflictions of others—who assist the wretched—who willingly join with those in distress—who, as it were, clothe themselves with the same feelings, so that they may be more readily disposed to offer them assistance.

He adds, For they shall obtain mercy,—not only from God but also from people, whose minds God will incline toward acts of kindness.³⁶⁸

Though the whole world may sometimes be ungrateful and may return the very worst reward to those who have shown them kindness, it ought to be considered enough that grace is stored up with God for the merciful and compassionate, so that they, in turn, will find Him to be gracious and merciful, (Psalms 103:8; Psalms 145:8).

³⁶⁷ “Ceci aussi est un paradoxe, c'est a dire, une sentence contraire au jugement commun des hommes.” — “This also is a paradox, that is to say, a sentiment contrary to the general opinion of men.”.” — “This also is a paradox, that is to say, a sentiment contrary to the general opinion of men.”

³⁶⁸ “A douceur et compassion;” — “to mildness and compass;” — “to mildness and compass