You Are Blessed
When we see people with seemingly happy, perfect lives, enjoying the finer things in life, society says they’re blessed. If someone buys a new home or car, society say, “That’s a blessing.” And in many cases, it is.
Society defines blessed or blessing as getting or receiving something you want. Hence, a cancer diagnosis isn’t a blessing, but being healed of cancer is. Hearing “no” about something you want isn’t a blessing, but hearing “yes” is.
However, Matthew 5 teaches the true meaning of the word “Blessed.” The word translated “blessed” in this verse is “
- the poor in spirit
- those who mourn
- the meek or gentle
- those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
- the merciful
- pure in heart
- peacemakers
- the persecuted
- the insulted
The blessing isn’t necessarily in the opposition they face or the hardships they endure, but for the rewards which come afterward.
In other words, we are blessed when we face hardships because we know God will deliver us in due season. The world’s riches and trappings are carnal and temporal, but God’s rewards are spiritual and eternal. The house that blessed you today can be a burden later. The spouse you desired can be the source of great pain later.
It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it, (Proverbs 10:22, NASB).
Things we consider blessings aren’t necessarily blessings. Some things are tricks from the devil. I’m sure Eve thought partaking of that fruit would bless her. It didn’t.
We are encouraged by Matthew 5:1-12 because the Lord Jesus Christ clearly outlined the promises tied to the Beatitudes captured in those verses. For instance, there’s a filling coming for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Comfort is provided to those who mourn.
| the poor in spirit….theirs is the kingdom of heaven |
| those who mourn….they shall be comforted |
| the meek or gentle….they shall inherit the earth |
| those who hunger and thirst for righteousness….they shall be filled |
| the merciful….they shall receive mercy |
| pure in heart….they shall see God |
| peacemakers….they shall be called sons of God |
| the persecuted….theirs is the kingdom of heaven |
| the insulted….your reward in heaven is great |
As you look over your life, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a lot of tangible blessings (houses, cars, money, vacations, etc.). Instead, seek the true blessings that are found in Jesus: the kingdom of heaven, comfort, righteousness, mercy, etc. You’ll never regret those blessings.
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