#Beatitudes #Bible #meek #peacemakers #persecuted #Christians #religious
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
These are two of the eight Beatitudes found in the gospel of Matthew in the Bible.
This passage tells the story of those who are weak, mourning and persecuted being rewarded by God.
But, some who practice Christianity today would rather reward those who have much. It is they who should inherit the earth. The meek be damned.
Power and riches don’t necessarily equate to strength. In fact, many of those who have gone through challenges have much more strength than those for whom good fortune came naturally, or through family.
The Bible tells us that those who face the most challenges are the strongest among us.
When one prays for successful war, God may not answer. It’s clear from the Beatitudes that He prefers peacemakers.
One can achieve strength and use it to make peace. But, merely using strength to show off what one can do is not peacemaking. It is the opposite.
Some Christians today prefer to reward prosperity. Prosperity is not a sin unless it leads to greed and taking advantage of others not as fortunate.
Indeed, prosperity combined with humility, generosity and integrity is a virtue.
Jesus taught that we should love thy neighbors as thyself. That implies we should love our neighbors regardless of appearance or circumstance. Discrimination is a sin. Taking advantage of others less fortunate to enrich oneself is a sin.
If your neighbor wrongs you, you should continue to love him as you try to right that wrong.
Retribution is a sin.
We should all comply with laws based on values Christians, and those of other faiths, hold dear.
Arresting someone who is merely complying with the law is a sin.
We should welcome those who come into our midst with open arms. Of course, they should come in peace, and they should come to do no harm.
Those are bona fide Christian teachings. Anything that diverts from those teachings is something other than Christian, or any other faith.
So, as you conduct your daily lies, think of the Beatitudes. Live by them. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.
Always search for peace, not conflict. Of course, if you are attacked, you should defend yourself. But, never be the attacker.
If you face challenges, face them with your own strength, and with help from your neighbors. If your neighbors will not help you, they must live with that.
Blessed are the meek, persecuted and those who seek peace. These are the true saints among us.
Peter