The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, titled Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.
Paper 140:3.2-11
The Urantia Book
For they shall obtain mercy
Students may read Paper 140:3.2-11
After Jesus had gathered all twelve of his disciples, he went up into the hills and gave some special teachings. One of the things he taught was, “Happy are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus often taught about forgiveness and mercy. Here, we learn that being merciful to others helps us to fully receive the mercy that we need as well. People also say, “Blessed are the merciful,” and this is one of the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.
Discussion Questions
God understands us and loves us. Our Father reaches out to us in loving-kindness. He has no trouble forgiving us and being merciful to us. Why is it sometimes hard for us to forgive? Why are we happier when we are merciful?
God understands us and loves us. Our Father reaches out to us in loving-kindness. He has no trouble forgiving us and being merciful to us. Why is it sometimes hard for us to forgive? Why are we happier when we are merciful?
Procedure for using the PDF handouts with children
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Additional reading:
The Urantia Book divides the eight Beatitudes into two groups. Read about the "four supreme reactions of fatherly love," which includes "the merciful."
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Re: Mercy
2:4.2 God is inherently kind, naturally compassionate, and everlastingly merciful. And never is it necessary that any influence be brought to bear upon the Father to call forth his loving-kindness. ...
142:7.11 6. Love and mercy. A compassionate father is freely forgiving; fathers do not hold vengeful memories against their children. ...
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New Testament reference
The Revised Common Lectionary
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Chapter 43—Forgiveness—p.230
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts.
Let him return unto the Lord;
And He will have mercy upon him;
And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (Judaism)
I will have mercy upon their wrong-doings.
And their sins I will remember no more. (Christianity)
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