Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:8-9
Jesus tells us more about how we can be blessed by obeying God’s law and treating others as He intended. In these verses He teaches about being right with God and sharing that joy with others. Many of these blessings relate to our spiritual gifts and what God has called us to do.
Being right with God (justification) means we do the right things for the right reasons. Some people can act in what seems a right manner but their hearts are not right (pure) if they are acting for self-gain or attention. Peacemaking doesn’t necessarily mean negotiating treaties between warring factions, it starts at a personal level by making peace with those who may have wronged us and thereby making peace with God.
Jesus wants us to see that when we begin to live out these attributes, it has an affect on us and the world around us. He didn’t promise us it would be easy, but that it would be worth the effort. God wants us to do our best and leave our concerns about success to Him, confident that we are helping His kingdom come near to all.
Loving Lord, it is hard for us to give up our side in a conflict, but You call us to be the voice of calm. You bless us when we do right under Your law and bring together Your children. Help us to be pure of heart and peacemakers in our world. Amen.