King James Bible
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
Jesus declares those who show compassion and forgiveness toward others as divinely favored. In the context of the Beatitudes, mercy involves both withholding deserved punishment and actively relieving suffering, contrasting with the harsh reciprocity common in ancient justice systems. This promise establishes a divine reciprocity—those who extend mercy will themselves receive it, particularly at God's judgment. The future tense points to both earthly experiences and ultimate eschatological fulfillment, creating a cycle where human mercy reflects and receives divine mercy.