5. Merciful: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

Characteristics: Mercy embraces both forgiveness for the guilty and compassion for the suffering and needy. This spouse realizes how subtle Satan is in deceiving him about his own sinful nature. He has seen the harmful impact of an unforgiving attitude in his own marriage. He has studied Christ’s teaching on forgiveness and is therefore compassionate toward others. He knows the reality of his own sins being forgiven and the high cost Christ paid to provide this personal forgiveness.

Results in marriage: A Christian who truly understands the magnitude of his own forgiveness in Christ will be compassionate toward failure in his spouse. Nothing is more important to marriage than forgiveness. Bitterness and an unwillingness to forgive will destroy the relationship. Forgiveness heals, gives hope and breeds renewed faith in the marriage.

6. Purity: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Characteristics: God doesn’t want us to look pure on the outside without being “washed” on the inside. Bitterness, immorality, and deceitfulness cannot coexist with a sincere devotion to Christ. Hypocrisy is impossible for a person who keeps his heart pure. This condition of the heart involves one’s mind (what she thinks about) and will (what she chooses to do). Here is a person who is single-minded in her commitment to please Christ in all of her actions. This outward commitment results in inward purity.

Result in marriage: Many marriages are characterized by spouses who easily commit immoral and unrighteous acts without conviction or accountability. But the spouse with a pure heart will be quickly convicted, should she falter morally. This person will never crush her spouse with a double standard. Her standard will be the righteousness of Christ: “What would Jesus do in this situation?” She can be trusted, both publicly and privately, to do what is right and honorable.

7. Peaceable: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)