Final answer:
The statement 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy' reflects a principle shared across different religious texts, emphasizing the virtue of showing compassion and the expectation of receiving mercy in return.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy', is a beatitude from the Christian text, the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. It reflects a spiritual principle that emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others. This idea is echoed in different ways across various religious texts, suggesting that those who perform good deeds and act compassionately can expect to receive mercy from a higher power. For example, in the Qur'an, it is stated that those who believe and perform good works will be rewarded, without fear or grief. In Psalm 145:9, it is mentioned that the Lord has compassion on all He has made, implying the divine trait of mercy. Thus, this principle of reciprocated mercy or compassion is a concept found in multiple religious doctrines, indicating that it is widely regarded as a virtuous trait.