Lenten Reader | Day 6

After reading this, did you take a moment to consider if you can really say “I am blessed?” If we are in Christ, we are blessed to have been given a new life. But the new life in Christ calls us to a new or different standard of living than the world around us. It calls us to be like Christ, to live in step with his teaching, or to at least to attempt to. Let’s take a moment and look at a few of these.

“Poor in spirit.” Humble in our inward man. That we need God through the Holy Spirit to bless us with “every good and perfect gift.” If we want the kingdom of heaven, we must allow our inward man to be emptied. I cannot satisfy my spirit – only He does. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

“Blessed are those who mourn.” Are we patient, loving, supportive with those who are mourning? Romans 12:15 reminds us to “mourn with those who mourn.” I have seen mourning with some loved ones who have lost spouses, children, and family members. And I have watched God comfort them through the process.

“Blessed are the meek.” Not the weak. Enduring injury with patience and without resentment. I have seen it in others, and I long for it. Have you had someone hurt you with their words, false accusations, or actions? I have, and I admit that I haven’t responded with meekness. I hit back. I speak up. Very seldom do I receive comfort from doing it my way. I know people who are great at this. I so admire it. It leads me to repentance and humility which leads me to know that God is not through with me.

During this season of Lent, let’s take time to consider the Beatitudes and allow them to draw us close to Him. That we would allow God through his Holy Spirit to lead us to repentance and renewal in Him.

Patrick Clevenger