Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:
“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.
“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.
“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.
“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.
“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.
“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.
“Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you. (Matthew 5:1-12, CEB)
I love the Beatitudes. However, I am always hung up on that last one:
Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me.
I really don’t know anyone who is happy when people insult them. But if we look at what Jesus is saying it is a little different.
Jesus doesn’t say you are happy because you are insulted, you are happy because you are insulted for living life differently than everyone else. You are insulted because you are following Jesus and loving everyone and not using people to get what you want.
Because of Jesus. You are being put down because you are actually hearing the first part of the Beatitudes and living as Jesus called us to live.
Be happy you are with Jesus, and live in the insults, standing with the marginalized.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 