Salt and Light

Posted on by ruthbillingsley
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6
Blessed
 
Jesus spoke these words of truth.
He wants us to be blessed.
If we only trust in Him,
Then in His strength we’ll rest.
 
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
In heaven they will live.
Blessed are those who mourn and weep.
Loving comfort God will give.

Blessed are the gentle and meek.
The earth belongs to them.
Blessed are the righteous ones.
God’s spirit lives within.
 
Blessed are the merciful.
Mercy Jesus will show.
Blessed are the pure in heart.
The face of God they’ll know.  
 
Blessed are the peacemakers.
They are the sons of God.
Blessed are the persecuted.
All heaven will applaud.
 
So rejoice and be happy.
Your reward will be great.
Eternity will be yours
When you enter heaven’s gate.
 
Take all these blessings with you.
Be salt and light each day.
Remember Jesus loves you,
And walk the narrow way.
 
Matthew 5:1-16

I read through the Bible each year. This week I began again with Genesis and Matthew. As I read Matthew 5, I realized how blessed we are, even in difficult times! Blessed is translated “happy.” We are to see joy in all circumstances, as 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” These spiritual traits of character are known as the Beatitudes. After each one, Jesus gave the outcome it will produce – the blessing it will bring. True happiness comes from heaven.

  1. Poor in Spirit: If we are poor in spirit, we put aside pride and selfish ambitions. We look to God as the Source of our trust as we seek humility.(1 Peter 5:6-7)
  2. Those who Mourn: If we mourn and are deeply brokenhearted, we are to find joy in God’s comfort. (Psalm 34:18)
  3. Meek: If we are meek, we will inherit the earth. Meekness is not weakness, but strength under control. By keeping our emotions and our actions in check, we control the world around us. (Philippians 2:4-5)
  4. Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: If we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be filled with satisfaction. Jesus promises to fill us with His righteousness. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  5. Mercy: If we show mercy to others, Jesus will show mercy to us. He died for us and we see new mercies every day that we live. (Luke 6:36)
  6. A Pure Heart: If we have undivided devotion to Christ and seek to be holy, we will see His face in everything around us and will feel His presence. (Proverbs 4:23)
  7. Peacemaker: If we are at peace with all men, we will be called children of God. We will do everything in our power to prevent strife and conflict. (Romans 12:18)
  8. Persecuted: True happiness, that inward joy, can even come from being persecuted. Jesus did not say “if” but “when” you are persecuted. It occurs when you suffer for Jesus’ sake. You will then be like the prophets of old, for your reward in heaven awaits you. (1 Corinthians 4:12) Find true joy in Jesus as Savior and Lord.