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“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Jesus highlights a reward for those who remain true to God. What does He mean by ‘the pure in heart?’

Purity has several meanings; among them are ‘cleanness; clearness; Freedom from sin; innocence; chastity.1

Pure water is usually transparent. I remember, when I was a teenager, my mother told me that a person could see through iced tea that was good—not too strong.

As Christians, we strive for perfection. This asset has some qualities attached…  ( Click for more )

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Jesus singled out the ones who exercise forbearance in dealing with others. We see Him showing mercy in His life when our Lord forgave the woman caught in adultery. Also he forgave the paralytic of his sins.

Showing mercy simply means we overlook the wrong done to us by another. We take into consideration the bad action and forgive the one who caused it.

Receiving mercy from another may follow our confession of a wrong doing on our part. In movies, we hear defense attorneys tell…  ( Click for more )

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. . . .” Matthew 5:8

Jesus commends those who seek a right relationship with Him. He tells those who listen that they will be blessed. What does a person who hungers and thirsts after righteousness look like? He or she isn’t satisfied with the things the world does. That person looks at the world through God’s eyes.

How does a believer look at suffering? One who has spent time with the Lord knows what God’s Word—the Bible—says. That believer spends time in prayer.…  ( Click for more )

“Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

The Guideposts Family Concordance defines meek as patient, steadfast, not harboring resentment.

Jesus singles out those who are patient, reliable, and hold no grudges and tells those in His audience that they receive God’s favor. Those deemed meek will receive—as a divine gift—the earth. The tense of the verb denotes this will be a future happening. That’s all Jesus tells us.

I have known people who illustrate meekness by the way they conduct themselves…  ( Click for more )

“Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

From time to time in our lives we receive word of someone whose life here on earth has come to an end. Our friends come up to us a hug us. They express their sorrow over our loss or they choose not to say anything. We don’t realize it at the time but we are mourning.

We receive condolences in many forms—the hugs, the sympathy cards, the floral tributes, the funeral dinner provided by the people of the church. We receive comfort from these actions. We also receive…  ( Click for more )