Jesus' saying, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt. 5:7 NIV), can be understood as a call to extend compassion not only to fellow humans but also to all sentient beings, including non-human animals.
Full Text: https://www.vegantheology.net/post/blessed-are-the-merciful-for-the-animals-by-dr-chapman-chen
1. Mercy as a Universal Ethical Principle
Mercy (eleos in Greek) in the biblical tradition is not merely about pity but involves active compassion—deliberately alleviating suffering and choosing kindness over harm. Vegan theology expands this principle beyond human relations, arguing that God's mercy should inspire us to show mercy to animals, who also suffer and seek kindness.
Jesus’ teachings consistently emphasize love, compassion, and justice. The Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–12) set forth a vision of the kingdom of God, where the values of divine love overturn the violence and oppression of the world. If mercy is a fundamental characteristic of God’s kingdom, then it logically extends to all creatures who experience pain and vulnerability.
2. Applying Mercy to Animals
Non-human animals, like humans, are capable of suffering, forming relationships, and seeking comfort. Yet they are among the most abused and neglected beings in human society. Factory farming, animal testing, and the use of animals for clothing, entertainment, and other exploitative purposes involve systematic cruelty.
From a vegan theological standpoint, the command to be merciful means we must reject practices that cause unnecessary harm to animals. If Jesus calls the merciful “blessed,” then refusing to participate in industries that brutalize animals aligns with the divine will. In contrast, ignoring their suffering contradicts the very nature of mercy.
3. Receiving Mercy in Return
The second half of Jesus’ saying—“for they will be shown mercy”—suggests a reciprocal dynamic. When we embody mercy, we align ourselves with divine love and, in turn, receive God's mercy. This is not necessarily a transactional promise but a reflection of the spiritual reality that by showing mercy, we cultivate a heart that is receptive to grace.
In a vegan theological framework, refusing to show mercy to animals can harden the heart. Participating in cruelty, even indirectly through consumer choices, conditions people to ignore suffering. Conversely, choosing a merciful, plant-based lifestyle fosters spiritual sensitivity, humility, and a deeper connection with God’s compassion.
4. Jesus as a Model of Mercy
Jesus exemplifies a vegan ethic. He desires compassion, NOT sacrifice (Matt. 9:13); He comes from a vegan family (Eusebius, Church History 2.23.5–6); He warns against flesh-eating (Luke 21:34, Evangelion Da-Mepharreshe); He cares about animals (Mark 12:31, 21:1-7; Matt. 10:29, 25:40; Luke 14:5; Linzey 2010:60-61); He is in peaceable companionship with the wild animals (Mark 1:12-13).
Above all, Jesus died for animal liberation. In emptying the Temple of animals about to be slaughtered for sacrifice, He disrupted the lucrative revenue stream of the chief priests and scribes, who immediately afterwards conspired to destroy Him (Mark 11:15-18), eventually leading to His crucifixion (Akers 2020).
Jesus' vision of the kingdom of God is one where violence is replaced by peace. Isaiah 11:6-9 and Hosea 2:18 speak of a future where humans and animals coexist without harm. Mercy, therefore, is a foretaste of the coming kingdom, and veganism can be seen as a practical way to live out that divine ideal now.
5. Conclusion
Jesus’ beatitude on mercy challenges us to rethink our relationship with all creatures. In a world where animals are routinely treated as mere commodities, a truly merciful life requires us to reject practices of violence and exploitation. Vegan theology sees mercy as an all-encompassing principle—one that recognizes the suffering of animals, refuses to participate in their harm, and embraces a lifestyle that reflects God’s love for all His creatures.
By showing mercy to animals, we not only follow the spirit of Jesus’ teaching but also open our hearts to receive divine mercy in return.
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