“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:3-6)
God seems to favor them or everything seems to work out just right for them. They have such an easy life. How many times have you heard statements like these?
Jesus taught that the world seen from God’s viewpoint is tilted in favor of the oppressed. The Sermon on the Mount and other statements of Jesus: the first will be last and he who humbles himself will be exalted were two of His teachings. Why would God single out the oppressed for special attention?
1. Suffering helps us realize our urgent need for redemption.
2. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our interdependence with one another.
3. Suffering helps us distinguish between necessities and luxuries.
4. Suffering helps us respond to the call of the gospel because we may have become so desperate that we cry out to God.
The poor, the hungry, the mourners, and those who suffer are blessed because their lack of self-sufficiency is obvious to them every day. They must turn somewhere for strength. People who are rich, successful, and beautiful may go through life relying on their natural gifts. But people who are needy, dependent, and dissatisfied with life are more likely to welcome God’s free gift of love.
Those of us dealing with the frustrations of pain and suffering must remember to reach out to Jesus. He gives special attention to those suffering. What a blessing!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Why? Because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” The hardships we experience, The trials that we face, will teach us that we’re strongest when We’re trusting in God’s grace.
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach and in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where she and her loving husband, Richard, will retire. Patricia has pain from a nerve disease but knowing God is always faithful brings peace and joy.
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