The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called the sons of God. Matthew 5:8-9 HCSB
Our world seems to be a place of unrest on many fronts. There have been more murders in Louisville, Kentucky, this year than in many previous years. It seems that every time the news comes on there is another report of murder or shooting. Our culture has been inundated with road rage. There seems to be more protests and people filled with anger. Our schools have become places of unruly children because there is no longer respect for authority. Even in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, there is so much fighting and unrest that there were hundreds of soldiers trying to protect those who had come to celebrate Christmas this year. In essence, the peace in our world is progressively diminishing.
Jesus called on His disciples and the people to be merciful, to be pure in heart, and to be peacemakers. To be merciful means to show mercy toward those who do not deserve it just as God has shown mercy toward us as sinners. We do not deserve His mercy, but He freely gives it to us. Those who are pure in heart are those who try to do what is right, keeping pure motives and desiring the best for others. Peacemakers are those who look for ways to get along with others and seek compromise rather than fighting over issues that are not really important.
Challenge: Would Jesus classify you as a person who is merciful, pure in heart, and peace-making? What changes do you need to make in your life to be more like the type of person that Jesus is calling His disciples to become?