Jonathan Gale continues the teaching on the beatitudes by diving deep into the fifth one; "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Mercy is often connected to God's forgiveness. Mercy does not pronounce judgment, it is not quick to judge intentions. God has called us to believe the best in others. It is important to forgive others not just for the hurt they may have caused, but even forgive them when they do not meet our expectations of them. We need to release others of our expectations of them which is extending mercy.