“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 (KJV) Hi friends, How are you today? I hope you have been enjoying The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations. I look at the Beatitudes as words of encouragement and love spoken by Jesus himself. There is some disagreement as to the number of beatitudes. Some people believe that there are eight beatitudes and some feel that there are nine beatitudes. There are also some who believe that the Beatitudes end at Matthew 5:10 and others who believe that the Beatitudes end with Matthew 5:12. This may cause some confusion in your mind. However, before it does, remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV), “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” Instead of feeling confused, pray for understanding. Focus on the message of Jesus, not the terminology of people. So, let’s look at Matthew 5:10. The first part of the verse says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”. Persecution can take many forms. It can come in many forms such as in gossip, chiding, outcast, ridicule, put downs, harassment, discrimination, abuse, neglect, or death. Everyone has probably experienced persecution in one form or another at some point in his or her life. I have experienced a number of these forms of persecution. You probably have as well. So, if you are persecuted, is it always for righteousness’ sake? No. I wouldn’t say so. People are gossiped against, chided, discriminated against, abused, and put to death for bad ways as well. For example, just as in the Bible, criminals of today get put to death as well as followers of Jesus. Jesus wouldn’t have specified “for righteousness’ sake” if people were only persecuted “for righteousness’ sake”. People are persecuted for things doing bad things as well, such as following worldly ways, evilness, and criminal behavior. As with the other beatitudes, the encouragement comes in the second part of the verse, “for theirs will be the kingdom of heaven”. I find it interesting that this beatitude has the same encouragement as the first beatitude and the others are different. What about you? For those of you who have read “The Beatitudes Series – Part 1”, you may remember that I wasn’t sure about the meaning of “for theirs will be the kingdom of heaven”. I guess I am still not completely sure. However, with more studying and more prayer, I believe that I do have a better understanding. As Christians who follow Jesus and do God’s will, we are called “brothers” or “sisters” to Jesus (such as in Matthew 12:50). Matthew 12:50 (KJV) says, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” We are also called co-heirs (or joint-heirs) with Christ (as in Romans 8:17). Romans 8:17 (KJV) says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Therefore, since the kingdom of heaven is God’s and Jesus will reign, we will be a part of it, instead of being cast out and left in Satan’s kingdom. We will be close to God and part of His family, not part of Satan’s group. So, it sounds to me that Jesus is saying in Matthew 5:10, that we are not to be discouraged if we are mistreated for the sake of standing up for what is right and following God’s will for us, because no matter how badly we are treated by the world, we will be loved and rewarded with being part of His family now and forever. This sounds like wonderful consolation and encouragement for withstanding some persecution in the spec of lifespan we may have on earth. What do you think? Heavenly Father, Thank you for the encouragement found in all the beatitudes and in Matthew 5:10 specifically. Thank you for giving us something to remember and to look forward to when we are persecuted for doing your will. Help us to persevere during all hardship we receive as a result of doing your will and not to give in to the evil that surrounds us during these difficult times. Help us to keep our eyes on you and be encouraged with our reward. I ask you this through your Son, Jesus. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reflective questions for Matthew 5:10 (KJV): *What does Matthew 5:10 mean to me? *What does it mean to be persecuted? *What does it mean to be persecuted for righteousness’ sake? *Have I ever been persecuted? *Have I ever been persecuted for righteousness’ sake? *How did it feel to be persecuted, especially for righteousness’ sake? *What does “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” mean? *How can I better live according to the words in Matthew 5:10? Note: If you haven't already read the other posts in The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations, you may want to read them now. *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 1 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 2 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 3 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 4 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 5 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 6 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 7 Now, it is your turn. Thank you for being here. I appreciate it. I care about you and look forward to knowing your thoughts and feelings about Matthew 5:10, The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations, the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, or any faith topic. Please, feel free to comment below or to contact me. It is my hope, through the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, to help spread God's Word and to encourage others to read the Bible for themselves, as well as to offer food for thought and better understanding of scriptures. If you find value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share with your friends, family, and church group, so they can find value as well. Let's spread God's Word together. Thank you. (And, if we are persecuted, we will be in good company for Jesus was persecuted as well.) And, if you haven't done so already, please consider signing up below to receive the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox.
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“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 (KJV) Hi friends, How are you today? Today, we continue with The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations. As we look at the seventh beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount, let us remember that worldly views are not God’s views. We could see the word peacemakers and jump to the wrong sort of conclusions. In the first part of the verse, it says, “Blessed are the peacemakers…”. What comes to mind when you hear the word peacemaker? This may seem like a strange question, but what do you think a peacemaker does? However, the answer may be different than you think. When we think of “peacemakers” we often think about people who try to placate others and keep the peace at all times. They often compromise to “not rock the boat” or to try to get others to do the same. We may think that peacemakers are those who will do anything to keep peace, not rock the boat, and to stop an argument or war. We may think that this type of peacemaker is good. Who wants an argument or a war? We might even think that these types of people are being good and selfless. They are giving up their own wants to please others, to help others, and to keep the peace. Yet, that is a worldly peacemaker, not a heavenly peacemaker. It may be okay to compromise on what color shirt you want to wear or which vegetable you cook with supper. However, God doesn’t call us to compromise our beliefs to bring others peace. If God wanted peace like that, worldly peace not matter what. Jesus wouldn’t have said in Matthew 10:34 (KJV), “Think not that I come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Also, if God wanted peacemakers to have peace on earth as we think of it, He wouldn’t have told the Israelites to kill the inhabitants when He gave them the promise land. So, if God is not calling us to have the type of peace that gives in to others or stops wars and arguments at all cost, what sort of peace is He calling us to make? Actually, I believe that if we research the Holy Bible and pray about it, we will find that God isn’t asking us to encourage a peace between each other, but that he is calling us as Christians and believers to show others how to have peace between them and God. In other words, God is calling us to encourage others to be believers and follow God’s ways, so that they are “for” God and not “against” God. God doesn’t want us to placate others to not rock the boat. He gives us verse like Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) which says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” He wants us to stand up for God’s ways and show them to others. He wants us to correct others if they are doing things against God’s will. He calls us to sharpen each other’s understanding of His will for us. God doesn’t want us to give in to others or plaster them with feel good vanity and half-truths. Does that mean the God wants us to fight fights, start wars, and have arguments? I think that is a question better left to God. I think that we are to still remember to “turn the other cheek” as Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:39. I think we should still leave the vengeance to God as Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19. However, I can’t say whether God is calling us to fight or not. In some cases, like when the Israelites fought for the promise land, they were called by God to fight. Now that we have explored the first part of the verse, let’s look at the second part of the verse where it says, “… for they shall be called children of God.” What are your thoughts on the meaning of being called the children of God? I think there are a few ways to think about the “children of God.” First of all, some translations say the “sons of God.” If we think about Jesus as being the “Son of David” than we know that it was customary back then to think of “son of” as sometimes being a generic or general term for lineage and a member or follower of a certain family or person. (I am not a scholar or a translator, so hopefully I said that correctly.) So, saying that those people who are helping others become followers of God are “children of God” would make sense in the Old Testament sense, because that would put us followers of God and in God’s family. I believe that is the same sort of sentiment that Jesus meant when in Matthew 12:50, he said, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” If by doing God’s will we are brothers and sisters of Jesus, then that means we are children of God. Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us your holy Word. Help us to understand the difference between heavenly peace and worldly peace. Help us to know what we are to do to become peacemakers as in Matthew 5:9. Help us to act in a way that would make us your children. I ask this through your Son, Jesus. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reflective questions for Matthew 5:9 (KJV): *What does Matthew 5:9 mean to me? *What does it mean to me to be a peacemaker? *What are the differences between worldly and heavenly peacemakers? *What do peacemakers do? *Am I a peacemaker? *What does it mean to be a child of God? *Am I a child of God? *What can I do to better live the words of Matthew 5:9? Note: If you haven't read the other parts in The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations already, you may want to do so now. *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 1 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 2 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 3 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 4 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 5 *The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 6 Now, it is your turn. Thank you for being here. I am very interested in hearing your thoughts on peacemakers and God's children, or whatever you feel inspired to say. Please, leave me a comment below or feel free to contact me. If you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with friends and family. Also, if you haven't done so already, you may want to sign up below to get the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content sent right to your inbox. Have a blessed week! 
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8 (KJV) Hi friends, How are you? Of which other verse or saying does this verse remind you? I am just curious. It brings up something directly in my mind and heart. What about you? It reminds me of Matthew 19:14, which says, “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” I guess, it reminds me of this verse, because we think of babies and children as being pure in heart until they are touched by us grownups and molded into the ways of the world instead of the ways of God. However, even though babies and children might have the purest hearts of us all, what can that mean for the rest of us. Babies are often the least touched by the world as they are so young and haven’t had the time or experiences that bring the world’s views down upon them. So, what does that mean for the rest of us? We have been through life’s ups and downs. We have been exposed to the thinking and views of the world. We have seen and experienced sin and it’s effects. In view of our sins and the sins we have witnessed or experienced, how can we be pure in heart? Let’s look at the first part of the verse, “Blessed are the pure in heart….” What does it mean to be pure in heart? What does it mean to be pure? Sometimes we look at “pure” as being untouched and perfect or nearly so. This is the thought of when we think of babies as being pure or even as we think of virgins. Virgins save themselves for their one true love, which they will some day marry. They are “pure” in a sexual way. Babies are pure in the way of life. They have been untouched by the ways of the world and the sin of the world. We even think of animals as being pure or not pure. We often put great stock in an animal being a purebred. Purebreds are often more expensive than animals who can’t claim being purebred. Purebreds are untouched by other breeds of animals. There is also another way that we think of “pure” that is quite similar to the other ways. We think of “pure” as being the only, focused thing. For example, we can buy some “pure” honey. What does that mean? That means there are no additives or preservatives, no added sugars, or any added coloring or flavoring. It is just honey. So, what does it mean to have a pure heart? That is when are heart is focused in one direction and on one being. When we are pure of heart, it means we are focused on heavenly things and not worldly things. Our hearts are focused on God, His Word, His will, His kingdom, and His love. We are focused on serving God, thanking God, praising God, and worshiping God. We are focused on living in accordance to God’s Word and will for us. Now that we know the “what” of a pure heart, let’s look at how we attain a pure heart. We have all been touched in some way. We have sinned, seen sin, and experienced sin. We have been around and have been exposed to worldly ways and worldly views. Often times, we get confused or worry about whether we are doing things in the worldly way or in the heavenly way. Sometimes, we aren’t sure what to do. Does that mean it is impossible for us to be pure in heart? Well, it is impossible for us to purify our heart, because only God can do that. However, it isn’t impossible for us who have been around a while to be pure in heart. God can change our heart. God can forgive and wash away our sins as if they never happened. God can renew our heart and our mind. God can transform us from worldly centered people to heavenly centered people. We can’t do that, but God can. Yet, we have to do our part. We have to acknowledge our sinfulness. We have to repent and ask for forgiveness. We have to seek God’s will and commit ourselves to following His will for us. The second part of the verse says, “For they (those who are pure in heart) shall see God.” I am not sure what God means by that. However, I wonder if when Jesus was saying these words, if he meant that if you believe what I am saying purely like a child would, you will see that I am God the Son. You will see me as who I truly am instead of as a “carpenter’s son” or a “nice guy” or as a “prophet.” You will see me as the Son of God. I wonder if that is what he means for us. Or, I wonder if it to “see God” means that we will see Him on his throne in heaven. Whatever the meaning, I know it is a good thing and I want to see God. I want that blessing. I want to be so close to God that I see Him. What about you? What are your thoughts? Heavenly Father, Thank you for the words you gave us in Matthew 5:8. Thank you for teaching us right from wrong. Thank you for your mercy. Help us to be pure in heart. Help us to focus our minds and hearts on you. I ask you this through your Son, Jesus. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reflective questions for Matthew 5:8 (KJV): *What does Matthew 5:8 mean to me? *What does pure of heart mean to me? *Am I pure of heart? *How can I better be pure of heart? *What does seeing God mean to me? *How can I better heed God’s Word and will for me in Matthew 5:8? Note: If you haven't already done so, you may want to read the other posts in the series: *The Beatitudes Series - Part 1 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 2 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 3 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 4 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 5 Now, it is your turn. I am so thankful that you are here. I hope you are enjoying The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations. I am interested in your thoughts and feedback. Please, feel free to comment below or to contact me. Also, if you haven't already, please consider signing up below to get the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox. And, if you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with friends, family, and church family members, so they can find value in it as well. Thank you. 
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 (KJV) Hi friends, How are you today? I have always enjoyed the Beatitudes and pray that you are enjoying reading and pondering The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations. In many of the verses of the Bible, we are told if we do this, this will happen. The Beatitudes are no different. As we can see, in this beatitude, if we are merciful to others, we will get mercy. This verse reminds me of Matthew 6:12, where in the Lord’s prayer, we are told that God forgives us as we forgive others. So, what do we need to do to be merciful? What does merciful mean? I do believe that forgiving others is a way to be merciful. Yet, I don’t believe it is the only way to be merciful. I think being merciful encompasses many things. What do you think? I think to be merciful means to be kind to others, to help out when you can, to lighten their load. I also think it means to be sympathetic and empathetic to their feelings and experiences. Being merciful is showing the type of kindness, caring, love, and understanding that we would want others to show, especially if we were struggling and in need. 
When we think about mercy, we can imagine a person struggling to carry a heavy load. The person may be tired, weak, depressed, down, frustrated, sad, overwhelmed, afraid, or any number of things. The load could be a physical load, such as large bags of groceries or difficult manual labor. The load could be children or others who are not cooperating. The load could be an illness or sorrow, a loss of a loved one or an estrangement of some kind. The load could be disbelief and a spiritual void. The load could be anger or division of some sort. The load could be sin. The load could be homelessness or financial worry. It doesn’t matter the load.
The question is… do we help and try to lighten the load in some way? Do we help, give, encourage, heal, forgive, or show any act of kindness, love, or understanding? Or, do we walk away or add to the stress and burden in some way? This situation can be likened, in a way, to the saying, “What goes around comes around.” Yet, in a way, it is different. Although, we can say that if we show mercy to others, God will show mercy to us, unlike the saying, God gives us soooooo much more than we could ever give another. So, in this situation we can say the saying is, “What goes around comes around infinitely better and more than we could ever imagine.” In other words, if we are merciful to others, God will be more merciful to us than we can even imagine. That brings us back to the fact that we are talking about the beatitudes. That is to say, that we will be blessed (happy beyond belief) if we are merciful to others, because if we are merciful, God will be infinitely more merciful and better merciful than we could ever imagine. Heavenly Father, Thank you for your infinite love, kindness, and understanding. Thank you for your holy Word and for the instruction you give to lead us to true happiness with you. Help us to be merciful to others, Oh Lord. I ask you this through your Son, Jesus. Amen. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reflective questions for Matthew 5:7 (KJV): *What does Matthew 5:7 mean to me? *What does merciful mean to me? *Am I merciful? *How am I merciful? *What can I do to better live according to the words in Matthew 5:7? Note: If you haven't already, you may want to read the other posts in the series: *The Beatitudes Series - Part 1 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 2 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 3 *The Beatitudes Series - Part 4 Now, it is your turn. I am so thankful that you are here. I hope you are enjoying The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations. I would be interested in your thoughts and feedback. What are your thoughts? Please, feel free to comment below or contact me. Also, if you haven't already, please consider signing up below to get the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox. If you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with friends and family. Thank you. |
Hi friends!
This is Jodi. I am so glad you are here! I am a Christian and life-long learner. I enjoy sharing and encouraging others. I pray you are blessed by this blog. Thank you for being here. Archives
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