relationships (Matthew 5:10-11) Good and Bad Reasons

(Matthew 5:10-11)

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

There will be an array of reactions to these verses.  I know for myself, there was a time I really didn't appreciate hearing this.  I mean, who wants to be persecuted!?  Yet, in life, for various reasons, many people are picked on, bullied and insulted, and unfairly and unjustly imprisoned, tortured and killed... We live in an unfair, unjust, fallen and broken world that is full of pride, greed, hate and fear!

Another reaction to these verses will be one of unwarranted pride, where a person uses some level of persecution as a badge of honor, in some self-proclaimed proof and justification that what they are doing or saying is truth, right and good.  I will use Mormons as an example, because they do teach their members that if they are persecuted, that only means they are on the right track (even though they are not). 

In general, people are persecuted for various reasons.  One of the reasons is that people do not like to be preached at.  It doesn't even matter what the message is, be it true or false, political opinions, idealisms or propaganda, cult or religious proclamations, or just some personal preferences of someone who is incessantly pressing to get their way.

Reactions will vary.  Some people will react by simply walking away, or changing the channel, although it can lead to groups censoring, "canceling", "silent quitting", black-listing or boycotting.  Some will speak out, or debate, while remaining calm and trying to use reason, until they perhaps become "impassioned" and it turns into a yelling-fest.  Some argue, and even resort to mocking, lying, and name calling.  While others will become enraged and use violence.

This leads to yet another reason why people will be persecuted.  And it's a reason that people wouldn't want to hear, which is to be persecuted because they are jerks and deserve it, even though they think they don't.  And I'll add in here those people who say they are Christians, but are not representing the Lord well;  maybe in just one given situation, or it's their preferred method of being in this world.  One pastor put it another way, "People will hate us just because we are Christians, don't give them more excuses to hate you by being a jerk!"

This brings us to the focus of what these verses are actually talking about.  There will be people who hate us just because we are Christians.  Even if we are just going about our lives, and living out God's will.  I'll use my husband as an example.  When he's at work, he is working unto the Lord!  Focused and intent on doing what is expected, and doing the best that he possibly can.  And at one company, it didn't take long for the coworkers to start referring to him as "Pastor Len", even though he had not said anything about his faith (yet, at that point).  So, how did they know?

There is a saying, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."  Now, the Bible doesn't exactly say this.  We are told to live in obedience in God's will, and in God's strength, which will be evidence of our faith.  But we are also told to use every opportunity to share the gospel!  Now, it does come down to HOW we are sharing God's word and His message of salvation.  Everything we do and say should always be in God's love, and with His love, wisdom and guidance.  While there will be people drawn to us just to hear about Jesus, there will be those who hate us for it, because they hate Jesus.

Here's the summary and the difference!  Sometimes people are persecuted just because they are suffering the consequences of other people's bad actions.  Sometimes people are persecuted because they are suffering the consequences of their own bad actions.  But when believers are persecuted because of God, God is going to bless and reward those who are faithful in being obedient to His will, practicing His righteousness, and speaking His truth.  Even in the midst of persecution, in staying focused on our relationship with the Lord, we can be confident that He will help us, and work things out for good.

relationships (Matthew 5:9) Peacemaking God's Way

(Matthew 5:9)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

There are a few points to this message.  The obvious one is that we should not be agitators or instigators, and not be violent, contentious, contrary or critical, although that doesn't mean we are to approve of sin.  But look, even if we claim that we have sincere love and concern, we cannot tell people who are NOT believers, that they HAVE to live and behave as believers.  God doesn't even do this.  Especially because true, biblical Christianity is not about do's and don'ts, but having a loving, personal relationship with the Lord.  What we can do, with God's guidance, is share God's love, truth and salvation message, because He has a much better way for us!

In the same way then, pointing at people or getting in their face to tell them that they ARE going to hell - because... - is something we should not do - BECAUSE - it is something we cannot do!!!  We are not the judge and jury.  We do not know what is in a person's heart and mind.  We need to look at the logs in our own eyes!  Because, even Christians will often choose to drift away from God and live in sin, yet, because of God's grace, they are not going to hell.  So, not only is that tactic very wrong, it is the opposite of peacemaking!  What we can do, with God's wisdom and guidance, is share God's truths, the good news, and how God has worked and is working in our life!

Think about it.  Trying to debate, argue or convince someone into God's kingdom, will not be received well at all.  This again would be trying to take the place of God, since it is only His Holy Spirit who convicts the hearts of people!  And that is not how God wants us to share His gospel message of truth, hope, peace and love.  Now, this verse isn't talking about sharing the gospel with others.  It is merely telling us that we are to be peacemakers.  No matter what God tells us to do, though, everything is to be done in His agape love (which is unconditional and sacrificial).

Because God is love, He created us with free will.  What is free will if we do not have choices?  And what are choices if we do not have freedom to act upon them?  Therefore, God never forces anyone to love Him back.  And once a person decides to love God and put their faith in Him, He doesn't even force His own children to be obedient!  Of course, He desires that all come to know Him in a real and personal way, and of course, He desires that His children love and trust Him enough to accept and apply all of His omniscient advice (obeying His commandments).

The summary of God's commandments is to love Him, and then love others.  And then, when we run into issues with others, or others come to us to help resolve a situation, we need to start by praying (even if it is in our head)... PRAY for God's love and wisdom!  Also, it certainly helps to know God's word well, because He gives so much advice on how to resolve and reconcile.  In fact, everything we would ever need to know, is in the Bible, and it is all relevant, applicable and effective!  Then as we are obedient to God's will, in His love, strength and wisdom, all to His glory, He will do and accomplish amazing things!  This includes having not just inner spiritual peace, but living in a much more peaceful environment.

relationships (Matthew 5:8) Genuinely Pure in Heart

(Matthew 5:8)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

As my mom frequently said, "words are important", so, I looked up the word "pure" in the Bible dictionary.  Basically, "PURE" means to be clean, or clear.  Also:

• to be innocent
• to be free from sin
• to be sincerely and genuinely blameless
• to be unstained with the guilt of anything
• to be ethically free from corrupt desire
• to NOT impart any uncleanness
• to be guiltfree from every admixture of what is false

The only way anyone can get to heaven is with a pure heart, because God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin.  The only way we can have a pure heart is though salvation, which is available only through Jesus Christ.  This is to humbly repent of our sins and accept the Lord Jesus into our hearts.  It is in that moment that Jesus forgives all of our sins (past, present, future), which purifies our hearts, as He covers us with His righteousness, and gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Moving forward, once we are believers (born again as children of God), we are told:

(1 John 3:2-3)  Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

One of the illustrations that the Bible uses to help us understand the term "to be clean" is like how a vine is cleansed by pruning, so that it is able to bear fruit.  In our daily walk with the Lord, it is beneficial to confess our sins as we realize them, which prunes away the things that will prevent us from being productive and fruitful, as well as enjoying a close relationship with the Lord.  Being intimately connected to the vine (Jesus, Himself), is to be nourished so that we can grow, as well as have Him be our strength, love, hope, comfort, joy, peace...

(John 15:1-4)  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.

Another illustration that the Bible uses to help us understand the term "to be pure" is the act of something being purified by fire.  And the Bible describes God as a consuming fire.  While believers cannot lose our salvation because we have been forgiven of all sin, when we get to heaven, we will be judged and rewarded according to our good works done with pure motives...

(1 Corinthians 3:12-15) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,  each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire.

How exciting the thought is that we will see God face to face one day!  And meanwhile, having Him as our heavenly Father who is always with us, to helps us in all things, allows us to experience Him in mighty ways right now!

relationships (Matthew 5:7) Mercy Has Its Reward

(Matthew 5:7)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

When we are compassionate, others will tend to show compassion towards us. Even many unbelievers know of the verse,  Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. (Luke 6:31).  And while this definitely helps us to get along with people in general, we will come across those who will not reciprocate. Still, we are to continue to show love, compassion and kindness, no matter what.  I mean, think about the alternative, someone gets in our face, and then we get in their face, and... then what?   By doing that, we will only escalate the situation.

As believers, we are called to go the extra mile, because we are representatives (ambassadors) of Christ.  God loves all people, therefore we are to love all people.  And with Christ in us, in every situation, we should be asking and allowing Him to use us to His glory, to share His love with even the unlovable, to shine His light out into a dark world that is without hope.  So, when we are obedient in God's will, in His love and strength, as our verse above says, we receive mercy... God's mercy!  And so much more!

I've done some cross-referencing here, because God really can lay it all out very clearly for us, without the need for us to explain anything!  Except that we can share experiences and testify where and how these truths worked when we applied them.  Because I know from experience that when I obey God's word, it will always work!  GOD always works!!! 

(Romans 8:28). And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.   

(Ephesians 4:31-32)  All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

(Romans 12:17-21)  Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Proverbs 25:21-22)

     If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

     And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For you will heap burning coals on his head,
     And the Lord will reward you.

relationships (Matthew 5:6) Finding True Satisfaction

(Matthew 5:6)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We were created with souls that can only be filled by the Lord God, but because we are all born into sin, our souls are empty, unless and until we humbly accept Jesus into our lives as our Lord, God, King and Savior.  But until that point, we will feel that void in our souls, and TRY to fill it with something else, be it religion, good works, money, success, sports, a life of leisure, sex, food, drinks, drugs, fame... everything and anything...

Meanwhile, when God created us, He also gave each of us a conscience.  This means that we'll have some innate sense of what is right and wrong, and what it might mean to be good.  We can even understand the terms of having integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, and correct thinking, feeling, and acting, and seeing the need for justice and fairness.  Many people strive to be as good as possible, thinking that they can earn their way up to some sort of higher state, be it heaven, nirvana, utopia, or somehow being reincarnated into a better being... And while we can be quite good in our own efforts, nobody can be "good enough" in order to be approved by God.

Because God is holy, He cannot have a relationship with sin.  To be a child of God means we have to have His very nature, which is holiness, which is perfection and RIGHTEOUSNESS.  It doesn't matter how hard we try, in our own efforts, we could never achieve perfection.  It is impossible.  But with God - it is possible.  And  BECAUSE God loves us and desires to have a personal relationship with us - THIS is why He created us in the first place - He came in flesh to accomplish His work on the cross, to provide the way.  Salvation through Jesus is the only way we can be reconciled to God.  To be right with God requires God to do it for us.

This requires us to recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior.  In this, we will recognize our spiritual hunger and thirst, and our need to fill that void in our souls with Truth.  When we truly search for Truth, we will find it... that being Jesus.  When we humbly repent of our sins and accept Him into our life, He forgives us of all our sins (past, present and future), and at the same time, covers us with His righteousness!  In this, our soul is immediately filled with His indwelling Holy Spirit who seals us for eternity, and changes us from the inside out, and this is how we are made complete.  In this we are satisfied!  This is how a person is born again, to have God's very nature within us, and become a legitimate child of God!

And once we become a child of God, our loving heavenly Father gives us purpose and directions, and equips us to carry out His will and whatever it is that He asks us to do in order to help build His kingdom of love and hope.  All the while, it is all about having a personal relationship with Him!  When He asks us to do something, He doesn't want us to go off on our own to try to do it, He wants to do everything WITH us, FOR us, IN us, and THROUGH us.

It sounds so simple!  But, while we cannot lose our salvation, we will still struggle with sin.  This is why God desires that we continue to hunger and thirst after His righteousness!  You know, like when we eat the most delicious food, and it tastes so amazing, that we just want to keep eating, even though we already feel full.  It's the same way with the Lord, but more so... and - truly - we could never get to a point where we say, okay, I'm way too full to have more.  Remember, the Lord God is sovereign, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent... all things are possible with God.  Our imaginations and brains cannot even come close to comprehending!

Therefore, in our daily walk, we should strive to crave more of His word, more of His Holy Spirit's guidance, help and strength, more and constant conversations with Him, more desire to trust, obey, worship, embrace and serve Him, in His will, and applying His love and righteousness!  This is how we can experience God in an intimate relationship.  This is how we are acceptable to God and gain His approval.  It is all about the condition of our hearts, which hunger and thirst after the heart of the Lord Jesus.  It is only in Him that we will truly and fully be satisfied!

relationships (Matthew 5:5) Much More Than Just Being "Nice"

(Matthew 5:5)

“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

At face value, we all know that we are to be kind, nice, understanding and thoughtful towards others;  even in situations which require us to be "stern", like when we need to discipline our children, since we are not to be encouraging, enabling, or approving of bad behavior.  In all things, we are to have God's love as our motive, having patience and self-control, etc.  But in order to "inherit the earth", this verse must mean so much more than just being nice.

So, let's do a bit of digging.  The Greek word here is "praus", meaning:

• gentle, gentleness of spirit
• meek, meekness
• mild, mildness of disposition

Now for the application.  What does it mean to be these things?  And before expounding, we need to remind ourselves about how, as believers, we are to be humble, and exercising the spirit if humility.  We'll see how that becomes necessary in order to be gentle, meek and mild.  In fact, I would say that being humble is at the very core of being gentle, meek and mild.

Towards God, having a spiritual disposition of meekness is to accept His dealings with us as good and beneficial.  And this is not just to accept what God is doing and/or allowing in our lives, but doing so without argument or resistance.  In our stance of choosing to be meek, means that even in the face of injustice, instead of relying on our own strength, we are fully relying on God to protect and defend us.  Therefore, whenever we experience trials, tribulations, persecution and suffering, we are to know that God is allowing these things to happen.  But it is important to know and understand that He uses these things to purify and strengthen us, and He will deliver us in His timing.

This gentleness (meekness) is the opposite of seeking our own interests, and the opposite of being assertive or aggressive.  So, what can prevent us from inserting our will and methods, except to trust in God's goodness and control over every situation. This all comes back to being humble, which is to deny self, pick up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.  

I mean, wow!  How many of us obsess over ourselves, about how we look, how we feel, and how we are going to accomplish things?!  Therefore, to take the attention off of ourselves, our focus needs to remain on the Lord.  Even when interacting with our family, friends, neighbors, peers, and, yes, even our enemies, we are to be considering what God wants to accomplish in their lives - through us.  

In order to know God's will and desire, and what we are to be doing and saying in that moment, we are to ask His Holy Spirit to do it for us, to ask Him to continue changing us from the inside out, because this is something only God can do!  Putting it simply, as we grow closer to the Lord in a personal relationship, we will know His will and purpose better, and He will help us in all other relationships!

relationships (Matthew 5:4) Finding Comfort

(Matthew 5:4)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

"Mourning" here can refer to both bereavement as well as remorse.  

Remember, the verse right before this spoke about being "poor in spirit", which is humility.  Going hand in hand, when we humble ourselves and admit that we are sinners in need of saving, and we go to Jesus to seek His forgiveness, there will be remorse.  If remorse isn't followed by repentance, a person will be left to wallow in their own spiritual torment.  A person will either sink down into hopeless despair, or they will find a way to harden their hearts to avoid feeling their convictions.  

But, when a person goes to the Lord to repent, when the Lord forgives and enters that person's life, to have a personal relationship with them, there is immense comfort and inexplainable joy!!!  All sins are forgiven, and God chooses to not remember them ever again.  Being set free from the slavery to sin, we are born again into God's family, with a very fresh new start.  And because of God's grace, we cannot lose our salvation.

After this point, we can go on in life with confidence, as we follow the Lord closely, abiding in His will, and His guidance and purpose for our lives.  And while we do not have to fear or worry about anyone or anything, we will struggle, and we will be faced of moments of mourning, like when loved ones pass away.  When those loved ones are believers, we can be extremely comforted by the fact that they have entered a wonderful, heavenly sleep in Christ.  This is only a temporary loss for us, and we can know that we will see them again in heaven, for all eternity.

When and if a loved one is not a believer, and they pass away, we have to understand that the Lord is more than fair and just.  While God wants everyone to come to know Him, He will not force anyone to love Him back.  But He will definitely give them every opportunity needed in order to make their decision.  As well, God is omniscient, therefore He knows exactly who is going to choose to become a believer or not.  As well, we never know what was in the heart and mind of our loved one right before passing away.  They may have become believers right then.

No matter what, we must seek comfort in the Lord, and trust Him, and continue living in His will, not just for our sake but for the sake of others.  All too often, people will lose someone, and remain stuck in mourning.  When a person does that, they forget or they are not able to live and be there for those who are still alive.  This person really needs to confess their lack of faith in the Lord, because their god has become the person they have just lost.  And Satan would just love the fact that they have taken their eyes off of the Lord, to remain focused on death and despair!  Therefore, in these kinds of trying circumstances, let us remember to seek out the Lord's comfort, strength, peace and joy, all to His glory, and He will give us peace and comfort, because He loves and cares for us more than we could ever imagine!