[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be throw out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13)
“You are the light of the world….. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44)
THE BEATITUDES (vs. 1-12)
BE – ATITUDES means what our attitudes should be in our lives as a true Christian. Beatitude in Latin word means “Blessed”
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven – We must have a broken heart, with the realization of our weakness and sinfulness. Poor in Spirit does not mean being coward, but it means a proper attitude towards self. We should acknowledge that we are nothing apart from Christ.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted – “Mourn” here means our sorrow towards sin. It is a godly sorrow, not an outward remorse. Peter confessed his sin of denial with godly sorrow and he was forgiven. Judas displayed his outward remorse, but he took his own life.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth – “Meekness” is not weakness. To be meek means to be humble and be teachable.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled – This is an appetite for spiritual things. A real Christian is eager to read God’s Word and obey His commands.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy – Jesus showed His mercy by dying of the cross so that our sins can be forgiven. We should also have a gentle and forgiving heart.
- Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God – “Pure” here does not mean “sinless”. It means a single heart devoted to God alone. It means to keep our lives clean and holy.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God – Jesus was crucified on the cross to make peace between God and men. The armor of God has the Gospel of peace as hoes for us to swear on our feet. We are to bring the message of salvation and bring peace to wherever we go.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven – Those who are being persecuted because of Christ will have great rewards in heaven.
SALT AND LIGHT (VS. 13-16)
We must be the salt of the earth with its saltiness intact. We must be the light of the world that shines with good deeds.
THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW (vs. 17-20)
We are to practice and teach God’s commandment so that we can enter into the kingdom of God.
MURDER (vs. 21-26)
Anger is similar to murder in heart. Reconcile with your brothers before giving your offering to God. Settle your matters quickly so that you will not be judged in court.,
ADULTERY (vs. 27-30)
The inner desires of lust can lead one to commit sexual sins. Control your eyes and hands to avoid such sin.
DIVORCE (vs. 31-32)
Divorce is not allowed except for marital unfaithfulness.
OATHS (vs. 33-37)
Do not swear at all, either by heaven or by the earth. Let your “yes” be “yes” and “no , “no”. Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE ( vs. 38-42)
Jesus advised us not to treat our enemies as they treat us. Instead we should pray for them and do them good.
REFLECTION:
- Beatitudes means the Attitudes of Being. Do you have the Attitudes of Being a true Christian?
- Are you the salt and light of the place your are residing?
- Do you obey God’s commandment?
- Do you still hold grudges against anyone?
- Our body is the temple of God. Do you keep it clean and honorable?
- Are you faithful to your spouse?
- Are you honest and sincere when you talk?
- Are you revengeful or forgiving?
- Do you love your enemies and pray for them?
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