Love Your Enemies But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good; and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you … Continue reading Love Your Enemies
Category: devotion
Give to Everyone Who Asks
Give to Everyone Who Asks Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42 This is a verse that pops into my head often, but is seldom a welcome addition to whatever I am thinking at the time. There are many things Jesus said … Continue reading Give to Everyone Who Asks
Thoughts Matter
Thoughts Matter But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 For most of us, our parents taught us right from wrong by rewarding the good things we said and did and punishing the not so good. Society does … Continue reading Thoughts Matter
First, Be Reconciled
First, Be Reconciled So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 We live in increasingly … Continue reading First, Be Reconciled
Those Persecuted for Righteousness
Those Persecuted for Righteousness Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in … Continue reading Those Persecuted for Righteousness
Blessed are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the Peacemakers Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 When I think of a peacemaker, I think of someone with a gift for easing tension, for working through differences, and for finding a way to bring together people with diverse beliefs and goals. When I was … Continue reading Blessed are the Peacemakers
The Pure in Heart
The Pure in Heart Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 This Beatitude raises two questions for me: What does it mean to be pure in heart, and what does it mean to see God? Is it even possible to become pure enough in heart to be able to … Continue reading The Pure in Heart
Blessed are the Merciful
Blessed are the Merciful Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 As with a number of the other Beatitudes, this one seems almost too trivial for serious discussion: that those who show mercy will receive mercy in return. It is another in a long series of illustrations of the law of … Continue reading Blessed are the Merciful
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:5 I wish to consider three parts of this passage. First, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for something? Second, what is righteousness? Finally, in what way and with what is one filled? … Continue reading Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Blessed are the Meek
Blessed are the Meek Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Among the modern-day synonyms for meek are timid, docile, passive, spineless, resigned, and weak. I suspect the definition of meekness has softened from what it meant in Jesus’ day, and here is why: One of Jesus’ most frequent instructions … Continue reading Blessed are the Meek
Contemplating Grace 