Righteousness, Mercy, Purity
LENT 2023 | DAY 2
Matthew 5:6-8 (NIV)
(Alex Lai, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Matthew 5:6-8 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes, which comes from the Latin word “beatus” meaning “blessed”. We often associate blessings with good health, wealth, and even good looks! However, when I look at the eight beatitudes, I find it hard to count them as blessings.
The fourth beatitude says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Am I merely avoiding sin or am I actively pursuing righteousness? What do I hunger and thirst for? The Romans sermon series reminds us that we are made right to walk right with Him. Therefore, I will thirst and hunger for righteousness because Jesus assures me that I will be filled. One of the areas that I will work on is to form right relationships with people that God has placed in my life. I will put their interests above my own (Philippians 2:3-4). For those that God has tasked me to lead, instead of being in charge, I will take care of those in my charge (Simon Sinek).
The fifth beatitude says that those who are merciful will be shown mercy. Mercy is when we don’t get punished even though we deserve it. Even though we sin, the Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love (Psalm 145:8). Just as I have received mercy from God, I should also show mercy to others. Truth be told, it is easier said than done. Regrettably, there were times when I chided church volunteers and staff for not meeting my expectations. I should have been more merciful.
The sixth beatitude says that those who are pure in heart will see God. One of the meanings of “pure in heart” is integrity. I recall instances when I told half-truths. There were also instances when I did not speak up when things were clearly wrong. Another meaning of “pure in heart” is to have a single and undivided heart in our devotion to God. King David, despite committing terrible sins, was known as “a man after God’s own heart”. He had a deep desire to follow God’s will and do what God wanted him to do and he was blessed with greater intimacy with God than he imagined possible. I will pray for God to create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. What do you hunger and thirst for? How can you pursue righteousness?
2. Think of a time when someone showed you mercy. How can you be merciful to others?
3. Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” How can you guard your heart?
