If you’ve ever looked up “forgiveness” or “compassion” in the Bible, you will find many verses and passages speaking directly to these topics.
In preparing a small group study for ladies at my church, I was perusing through many of them, and when I took these passages to prayer to decide on which one to discuss at our next meeting, Jesus put on my heart the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10).
Imagine my surprise! A bit puzzled, I obediently went to the Beatitudes and began reading them prayerfully through the lens of “forgiveness.”
What a good God we have! Jesus gave me many insights as I prayed with the Beatitudes and opened my heart in areas where I still struggle with forgiveness.
As so many of the blessings we’re given are not meant just for us but for His whole kingdom, He has put it on my heart to share the questions I developed for our small group study with you.
Many you be truly blessed through prayerfully reflecting on the Beatitudes through the lens of forgiveness. May you be given hope, peace, and great healing!
Silent Reflection: Forgiveness and the Beatitudes
Settle yourself in solitude, and you will come upon God in yourself.
—St. Teresa of Avila
Before you read the Beatitudes below, ask Jesus to be present with you and ask Him to speak to your heart what it is He wishes you to understand more deeply about forgiveness.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)*
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Reflection Questions
Below are questions to reflect upon after prayerfully reading the Beatitudes above. It may be helpful to use a journal to process your thoughts, feelings, and reflections.
- What was your experience reflecting on the Beatitudes through the lens of “forgiveness”?
- Was there anything that came to your prayer/reflection time that led you to understand “forgiveness” in a different or deeper way?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.”
- What does poor in spirit mean? Just like those who are poor in material goods tend to have a greater understanding of their dependence upon God, so to do those who are “poor in spirit” have a deep understanding of their complete dependence upon God in spiritual matters. How does being “poor in spirit” affect our ability to forgive?
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
- Prayerfully read and reflect on the above Beatitude. What does Jesus speak to your heart about forgiveness with this Beatitude?
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
- What does “clean of heart” mean to you? Are there areas of your heart in need of purification and healing? How does having a “clean heart” affect one’s ability to forgive?
- Were there particular Beatitudes that seemed to speak to you about “forgiveness” more than others? If so, which ones, and how?
- Is there a Beatitude you feel most would help you to reflect upon when you’re struggling with forgiveness? Write it down, memorize it, and the next time you’re struggling to forgive, take a deep breath, ask Jesus to be with you, and slowly say this beatitude. Jesus is merciful. He will hear your prayer and help you to forgive.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of the Beatitudes.
Thank You for your guiding light.
Thank You for Your merciful forgiveness—of myself and others.
There is only one way to the Father and His arms of compassion and mercy, and that is through You.
There is only one way to complete, utter, and freeing forgiveness and that is through You.
Immerse me in Your Heart of love.
May I know what it means to forgive completely, without reserve.
Free me from my pride, hurt, anger, and all infection that sets in through harboring resentment.
I desire to know and exist only in Your mercy, peace, love, and healing.
Amen, my Jesus, amen.
*Scripture verses are taken from the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Bienaventurados son los que actúan siempre en la presencia de Dios y se alegran con lo que El les da y con lo que El les protege y enseña ; a veces lloran por los que no siguen la verdad, se hacen no violentos ante las maldades de la soberbia y las injusticias, actuando con respeto y compasión con los ignorantes de tu Reino ; trabajando por la paz interior y exterior de todos ; manteniendo y procurando tener limpio el corazón para ver en cada acción y en cada trato la mano de Dios ; luchando y arriesgando por promover y acercar la palabra de Dios a los que me rodean, alegrándose aún cuando te persigan y te señalen por hacer tu labor junto a Jesús.