Beatitudes: Back to Basics

          As a teacher, the Beatitudes are like Biblical Back to Basics.  I grew up on the Beatitudes.    It’s so practical!   In the past three weeks, we’ve reviewed the following in 50 Days to a Blessed Life.

     Week one, we learned that “Blessed are those who are poor in spirit,” (Matt. 5:3), which means dependent upon God.  We can’t let our circumstances control our attitudes.  I shared with my women’s small group that I blew a tire on the freeway this month.  While I waited for my husband to arrive and rescue me, I chose to focus on the good in the situation.  This isn’t my natural tendency.  In spite of my anxiety, I thought thanks, God, I’m in a safe place.  Thanks, God, I have someone to help me out.  Thanks, God, that I didn’t cause an accident.  Maybe we can’t always be a cool cucumber in stressful situations, but I was relieved that depending on God helped me keep my composure.

     Week two, we learned “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” (Matt. 5:4).  This one is a toughie.  Those of us who have experienced loss are also in a position to be of comfort to others who will eventually suffer through the same suffering and pain.  Small groups also can minister to their members by providing prayer, meals, and other practical support.  When grief or exhaustion overtakes us, part of our physical and emotional recovery includes proper nutrition, rest, or company.  A small group blessed my family with meals, and they nourished our stomachs and our hearts.

     We learned that we sometimes mourn over regrets, too…the guilt, the pain, the mistakes we’ve caused ourselves and others.  Those regrets, too, need to be “nailed” to the cross, or we will continue to suffer from our pasts.  God’s provisions:   His word, His people, His spirit are there to comfort us. 

     Finally, this week we turn to the topic of kindness.  “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth,” (Matt. 5:5).  Have you heard about the kindness challenge?   February 17^th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  It’s a great idea, but can we commit to being kind to people in our lives every day?  Choose one person in your life, a spouse, a child, a co-worker, and commit to being kind for 30 days straight.  In addition, you can’t badmouth them behind the scenes.  It’s a double whammy! 

     And, how can we respond to ugliness with kindness?  I know I tend to get defensive, attack back, or “shut down” when I get criticized.  This verse is going to be a personal challenge for me.  I need to not be so reactive in the face of criticism.  This one is a “trigger” for me.  I want to become meek, as in strength under control.    

     Heavenly Father, thank-you for reminding us all how to lead a blessed life.  Help us to put into practice your words of wisdom and inspiration.  Amen.