When was the last time you were persecuted for choosing to live a Christ-like lifestyle? It’s been a while for me, which is a clear sign I have either surrounded myself primarily with Christians or am not living in a way that truly reflects the righteousness of Christ.
Read MoreI’m what is known as a ‘spicy one’, meaning I don’t often stay quiet when offended, and *may* have a bit of a hot head. Keeping peace is not often my strong suit. This Beatitude always seemed to be unattainable unless God gave me a whole new personality. But if you look closely, this Beatitude doesn’t say blessed are the peacekeepers…
Read MoreSometimes, I think I’m doing pretty good. I am a decent human. I mostly don’t break the 10 Commandments. I can give myself an A on good behaviour, or maybe even an A+! Sadly, however, good behaviour alone is meaningless, especially when we see this Beatitude.
Read More“You who are empty are being filled. Out of your fullness, fill an empty person in need, so that your own emptiness may again be filled by the fullness of God."
(Augustine of Hippo)
Even though we often think of “Blessed are those who mourn” as applying to another person's grief, when Jesus taught this Beatitude, mourning had less to do with someone grieving, and more to do with those experiencing intense sorrow for their own broken ways and for the brokenness of the world.
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