One writer’s humble interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5: 3-11
By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC
Blessed are those who see their significance in God’s sight, while forsaking the need to be seen as significant in the eyes of others. These are people of peace who walk circumspectly within God’s Kingdom.
Blessed are those who mourn over having sinned as their hearts will find great joy through God’s forgiveness granted through Jesus’ everlasting redemption.
Blessed are those who do not need to have their own way, but rather dwell gently in kindness having their spirits sweetened through prayerfully seeking, “Thy will be done, dear Lord.”
Blessed and completely satisfied are those who thirst being in right-standing with God . . . knowing He watches over us wholeheartedly.
Blessed are those who show mercy to others, letting go judgment of them—for in return God’s grandest of all merciful favor will be theirs.
Blessed are those who keep their hearts clean, based on ever seeking right standing with God–for this opens the inner eyes and ears to the voice of the Almighty.
Blessed are those who seek peace within relationships and extend peace to those who are not kind and gracious within heated moments. This is an indication of being one with God’s sons and daughters.
Blessed are you when reviled or persecuted for choosing to live righteously and stand firm on the truth of God’s love for all. For living a moral life courageously exhibits your walk within the Kingdom of God, filled with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
And as for our worries, Jesus said in Matthew 6: 27, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Then in Matthew 6, verse 31, He said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Here is the “how to do this” given to us through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”’
About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in up to-32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view FREE her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.
The first paragraph about what it means to be poor in spirit gives me pause- I’ll be cogitating on that. I would think that I would be rich in spirit if I believe that I’m significant in God’s eyes. All the rest of the blog sounds just right. I love having my thinking challenged- even though it’s early morning and I’m still waking up😂
Thank you for this, Chery. Yes, the whole point of the first “blessed” (as I interpreted it) comes to those who find their significance in God. Whereas early experiences in life make a difference. I felt challenged as I most likely have needed to gain significance…being a middle child and always somewhat out of sync with Mom and mostly out of sync with Dad. I believe Dad loved me, just did not know how to let me know it. I had a struggle with God being “Father” for a share of my early life–and perhaps do not yet truly grasp the “Father” part of God. Jesus and the Holy Spirit feel intimately close, however. I am working on feeling close to “Father God.” Thank you for reading and particularly for writing.
Having said the above, I do know my ministry is a true call and all about helping those who hurt, desiring to win people to Christ . . . help them come to love Scripture finding it the guide of their lives.