Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV).
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “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. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Jesus continues His teaching on how to live in harmony with God and each other. In verse 6 He tells us “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”. This can mean both an individual desire to live righteously and the hope for all people to live righteously with each other.
Jesus always showed us that our individual faith is essential. Those who follow Him have confessed Him as Lord, accepted forgiveness for their sins, and go to share the Good News everywhere. It is up to each one of us personally to demonstrate what Jesus teaches.
No matter what the world says or does, we continue to live as He showed us, loving God and one another in all we do. It is our task to make disciples of all the world (Matthew 28:19-20). May our hunger and thirst for righteousness energize us to go in His name.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the gift of Your Son who came to love and save and free us. Help us to share the blessing we have received with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
