Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:1-12
Nothing’s been going right. You’re told: “You should be happy!” But are you feeling it?
You’ve had a rough day. You’re greeted with: “You are so blessed!” But do you believe it?
Sometimes God tells you and me that we should be joyful because we are so blessed. But, our sinful nature takes our minds off God’s sure word and onto life’s ups and downs. Perhaps, we can only think of reasons why life stinks at this particular time. A loved one died. The bully has been picking on you again. You’re teased because of your Christian faith. People slander you. In the midst of these bad experiences, sinners like you and me may wonder if God loves us as much as he claims.
When faced with hardships, trouble or persecution, don’t listen to your sinful nature. It’s so frequently and drastically wrong. Listen to your loving, all-knowing God. Hear Jesus tell you that you are blessed on “good” and “bad” days. Listen to Jesus tell you that you do have reason to be joyful – no matter what garbage life or other people hand you. Jesus is not only your Teacher, but your Savior. Through his life, death and resurrection, God forgives all your sins. God has made you his own dear child. Heaven is your eternal home. The eternal comforts and joys of heaven far outweigh whatever trouble or problems you have now.
Because you know how God has blessed you, your thoughts, words and life are changed. Jesus said that blessed children of God (like you) are meek and merciful. Blessed children of God are pure in heart and they are peacemakers. Why? Because yours is the kingdom of heaven.
