Today, I want to talk about the Beatitudes, a foundational teaching in Christianity that I keep returning to, no matter what’s going on in life. These were among Jesus’ first teachings to His disciples, and it’s crucial that we apply them to our own lives.
I’ll focus on three Beatitudes that have been especially meaningful to me in this season:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
The first Beatitude is about recognizing our need for God and our dependence on Him. By surrendering to Him, we inherit His strength, wisdom, and peace.
The second, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” has been particularly profound for me.
Do you realize that when you comfort those who mourn, you are showing the very compassion of God to those who are grieving?
For the last few weeks, I have experienced a loss that was dear to me, and with that loss my doctor said, “We need to find you a support system,” and I came to the realization that I already have an extraordinary support system.
I don’t think I am being overly dramatic with the statement I’m about to make, but literally thousands of people from around the world have comforted me by crying with me, reaching out, and grieving with me.
The Bible actually commissions us to comfort one another as we have been comforted (2 Corinthians 1:4-6).
My challenge for you is this: in the ways you have been shown comfort during tough circumstances, find someone facing the same thing and comfort them the way you have been comforted.
Lastly, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
I have trouble admitting this, but this is something I tend to have to work on. If I’m not careful, my choice of words when I’m not in agreement with something can sometimes come off as very hostile.
Marsha once looked at me and said, “I love every part of you, but when you move into that way of thinking, it’s something I don’t like.” I had to come to the realization, like many of us, that meekness is not weakness—it is strength under control.
This week, I challenge you to read the Beatitudes. In them lie the foundations of a blessed life.
