This passage shows us exactly what kind of person is blessed and how.
If you realize your need for God, the Kingdom of Heaven is given to you.
If you mourn before God, you will be comforted.
If you are gentle and lowly, the whole earth will belong to you.
If you are hungry and thirsty for justice, you will receive it in full.
If you are merciful, you will be shown mercy.
If your heart is pure, you will see God.
If you work for peace, you will be called the children of God.
If you are persecuted because you live for God, the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.
If you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are his followers, a great reward awaits you in heaven. So, Be Happy about it.
I tried applying "you" instead of "they". You will see how amazing we can be blessed.
If we are living for God like that, there must be no sorrow in our lives.
Only a joy and comfort.
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7 comments:
what a wonderful reflection, sungeun. you are so right about how moving and powerful these verses are when you apply them personally to "you" instead of "they".
when you read these verses in this way, you begin to realize the unspeakable greatness of God's promises to us.
i was very much struck by the enormity of the first beatitude, just as an example.
if i acknowledge and realize my abject need before God, my spiritual poverty, my destitution before Him, He will give me the Kingdom of Heaven.
considering how much we have sinned against Him, and how much we owe Him,
He really doesn't ask much of us.
Thanks for your post Sungeun. As I was reading this passage I realized just how practical and comforting these words can be as we live our daily lives. They ring true to me and the best is that they are directly from Jesus.
Sungeun, thanks for a new perspective on these verses. These verses have taught me that though there are times we are poor in spirit, in mourning, hungering and thirsting, feeling lowly, we are blessed because God is here to offer us His comfort and fulfillment. Today these words of comfort have taken on even more weight in encouraging me to BE more like the person He wants me to be- merciful, pure in heart, seeking peace, withstanding hardships that come with persecution. Though these are not easy characteristics to take on, IF I do, as Sungeun pointed out, again God's blessings awaits me on the other side of that struggle.
Sungeun, i love the way you paraphrased these verses... there's an innocence and a chld-like simplicity to it...
be Blessed!
This passage really gives me a sense of comfort and hope that I know I can not receive from anyone or anything else. It also continues to remind me that God is always with me. We'll continue to face temptations, trials, and suffering..but this passage reminds me to keep my eyes on the prize and never lose sight.
Seungeun, thank you for your great insight :)
Seung Eun,
That was really encouraging, and applying "you" makes this more personal.
Thank you for the insight!
I realized that what God asks us is Not to-do but to-be. If we choose to be what God made us to be, we will experience His great blessinig and reward. Thank you for a wonderful reflection upon the word of God.
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