"Blessed are the poor in spirit" The poor in spirit are those who have been convinced of their spiritual poverty. They see their continued sinfulness even as believers. In contrast to the self righteous pharisees who prayed "God, i thank you that i am not like other men." they identified with the tax collector who cried out, " God, be merciful to me a sinner!" (Luke 18:9-13) This is where humility begins, with a deep sense of our own continued sinfulness.
"Blessed are those who mourn" This second beatitude follows naturally the first. Those who see their continued sinfulness mourn over it. They long to see more progress in putting to death their persistent sins in their lives- even those "respectable" sins we so often tolerate in ourselves.
" Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness" What causes a believer to hunger and thirst for righteousness? It is a growing recognition of their own continued sinfulness, coupled with the glad realization that their sins are covered by the blood of Christ and they are clothed with his righteousness. They desire to be freed of their persistent sin and see more of those gracious traits that the bible calls "the fruit of the spirit".
Blessed are the merciful" Mercy in its most basic form denotes a sense of pity or compassion for those in some state of misery. The best description of this is the parable of the unforgiving servant (Luke 18:13) The master had pity on the servant who owed 10,000 talents, and forgave him his debt. Then that same servant turns and refuses to forgive another. Mercifuless begins with humility, with a deep sense of ones own poverty coupled with how much one has been forgiven by a merciful God.
"Blessed are the pure in heart" To be free from defilement in the very core of our being. It does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean ones life is characterized by a sincere desire for an earnest effort to pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
"Blessed are the peacemakers" A peacemaker seeks first to be at peace with others. As Paul wrote, " If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Rom. 12:18) That means take initiative toward peace even when we have been wronged. Only when we have this attitude toward ourselves can we seek to bee peacemakers among others.
The person who seeks to live out these beatitudes will usually stand out in society. One would think that people would admire and appreciate these characteristics, but often the opposite is true. Society does not appreciate humility because it is so counter to their prideful values. As a result you may be reviled, and even persecuted, but in the end you will be blessed. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ( James 4:6)
Blessed are you DLJRN for your continual inspirational posts... thank God for you, for being so spiritually insightful and sharing.:glow::applause::dancingp:
Praise God, through him i can do all things. I read this during my devotion time this morning, and needed to share it. I have been enjoying some of the post on this site. I am glad you enjoyed this Ella.
