Matthew 5:1-12Â The Message
Youâre Blessed
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
âYouâre blessed when youâre at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
âYouâre blessed when you feel youâve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
âYouâre blessed when youâre content with just who you areâno more, no less. Thatâs the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that canât be bought.
âYouâre blessed when youâve worked up a good appetite for God. Heâs food and drink in the best meal youâll ever eat.
âYouâre blessed when you care. At the moment of being âcare-full,â you find yourselves cared for.
âYouâre blessed when you get your inside worldâyour mind and heartâput right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
âYouâre blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. Thatâs when you discover who you really are, and your place in Godâs family.
âYouâre blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into Godâs kingdom.
âNot only thatâcount yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happensâgive a cheer, even!âfor though they donât like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”
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