I gained a new perspective this week on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 from my religion professor, Brother Griffin. He was very correct that we often just breeze through these without much real consideration, but if we look at the order that Jesus taught we can clearly see the repentance process as follows:
Poor in Spirit- All of us who sin, when we recognize this begin reconciliation with God
Mourn- sorrow for sin comes after recognition
Meek- we desire to make things right with God and accept His will
Hunger and thirst after righteousness- we seek to do good things (and stop doing bad things)
Merciful- we must forgive ourselves to move on, and forgive others
Pure in heart- we need to check our desires that we are acting for the right reasons
Peacemakers- strive to share the goodness that we have found
Persecuted- opposition will come when striving for righteousness
What is also interesting is that the blessing taught at the end of this cycle and at the beginning is the same. When we continue doing this in various aspects of our lives throughout our lives we have the promise that we will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
I found these verses on repentance strengthening this week as I recently been trying to improve on certain aspects of my character. I have had very real experiences where I have felt Christ give me spiritual and emotional strength. I believe this happens when we do our very best to come unto Him.
Poor in Spirit- All of us who sin, when we recognize this begin reconciliation with God
Mourn- sorrow for sin comes after recognition
Meek- we desire to make things right with God and accept His will
Hunger and thirst after righteousness- we seek to do good things (and stop doing bad things)
Merciful- we must forgive ourselves to move on, and forgive others
Pure in heart- we need to check our desires that we are acting for the right reasons
Peacemakers- strive to share the goodness that we have found
Persecuted- opposition will come when striving for righteousness
What is also interesting is that the blessing taught at the end of this cycle and at the beginning is the same. When we continue doing this in various aspects of our lives throughout our lives we have the promise that we will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
I found these verses on repentance strengthening this week as I recently been trying to improve on certain aspects of my character. I have had very real experiences where I have felt Christ give me spiritual and emotional strength. I believe this happens when we do our very best to come unto Him.