The third of the Beatitudes is “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)” Who are the meek and why they blessed? Someone who is meek is humble, gentle, soft, and quiet. A meek person will be patient and self-controlled. Just because a person is meek, it doesn’t mean they are weak. In actuality, they are very strong. A person who is meek has self-control and are following Christ’s example.
A look at the fourth Beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)” What does it mean? At first glance you might think it would refer to the physical aspect of being thirsty for drink and hungry for food. However, this verse is not referring to the literal thirsty and hunger for physical nourishment, but for the spiritual nourishment of righteousness. What is meant by righteousness?
Righteousness is “acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin.”
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This tends to mean that a person who hungers and thirsts after righteousness has a strong desire to live a Godly life. A desire to strive to live and act like God would want them to live.
In Matthew 5:7, we find that the merciful receive blessings. It states, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” It refers to someone who shows mercy to others will also themselves receive mercy.
The definition of merciful is someone who is caring, compassionate and gentle with discipline. God bestowed mercy upon us when He gave His only son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. Showing mercy to others illustrates a reflection of the heart of God, our Father in Heaven. A person who is merciful is kind and forgiving of others, regardless of how they have been treated.
The sixth Beatitude Says: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)” What does the Bible mean, in this passage, regarding the pure in heart? Pure means to be clean, blameless, and free from guilt. Those who are pure are those who are being sanctified by God’s refining.
Being pure in heart entails having a singleness of heart toward God. It is marked by an uncompromising desire to please God in everything we do. It is a reflection of our soul, not just our outward behavior. It also means that a person is totally committed to God, goes all out for Jesus, not wishy-washy but fully fears and loves God with their whole heart. They hold themselves accountable to God and strive to do the things that will bring Glory Him.
Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Who are the peacemakers? Are they just police officers, our armed forces? Peacemakers can be ordinary people like you and me.
Peacemakers are the ones blessed in the seventh Beatitude in Matthew chapter 5. What is peacemaking? What are the characteristics of a peacemaker? Peacemaking is the process of bringing about peace especially by reconciling rivals, those in opposition, into agreement. Jesus Christ is often referred to as the Prince of Peace. He is a peacemaker, bringing peace to individuals and the world. He restores the soul relieves our tensions and troubles and brings happiness to our human souls.
Characteristics of peacemakers:
- They are kind and compassionate
- They Help others
- They wait their turn
- They share
- They do what they are asked
- They tell the truth
- They listen, speak quietly and follow the rules.
These characteristics are from children’s perspectives, but they apply to adults as well. A peacemaker hates fighting and tries to stop arguments. He/she will never be in trouble with anyone and is the kind of person everyone loves. He/she is a very quiet person and never gets angry with people and situations. He does not demonstrate negativity, instead he/she is very positive in their outlook.
Peacemaking doesn’t mean passivity. It is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice. It is the careful, relentless pursuit of reconciliation and justice. It seeks to bring about a revolution of love. You can help to bring about peace in your home, in your local communities, and in our global community. We can make every effort to do what leads to peace.
The eighth Beatitude states: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10).” This verse reminds us of our calling as those who are separate from this world and our desperate need to renounce the idols of being liked, freeing us from a life of slavery to the opinions of others. Jesus was one such person who was persecuted for righteousness’ sake. In 1Peter 2:20 Peter explains this way: “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”
Persecution is a painful emotionally, psychologically, and in some instances, even physically. It means to be harassed or punished in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict one to suffer because of their belief. Missionaries are an example of types of people who are persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
No matter what you should always stand up for what you believe. Never let anyone take your belief in God away from you. You might not have recognition here on earth for your beliefs, but you will be rewarded one day by God in Heaven.
God bless you and keep you safe. May God grant you the desires of your heart. Stay strong. Remember I appreciate y’all and thank you for visiting.
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