Ancient Words For Today - 34
The word blessed, in the sense that it is used in today's scripture, literally means happy. In other words, we will be happy when we keep God's commandments and seek him with our whole heart.
By keeping God's commandments, we avoid the guilt and shame that comes upon us when we break them. We also avoid loss of fellowship with God that results from our sinful acts or failure to act when we should. Breaking God's laws can result in terrible consequences that can damage or destroy our lives, leading to much unhappiness, grief and despair.
Jesus said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets Matthew 22:37-40 Having loving relationships with God and with man fulfill two of God's primary purposes for our lives. When we perform acts of kindness and love that benefit others, it fosters our own happiness and joy. When we draw near to God and keep his commandments He is well pleased, our conscience remains clear, and we can experience the blessed enjoyment of fellowship with our Creator.
Paul told the members of the church at Rome to "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Jesus set the bar high for the degree to which we should love others. He told his disciples, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35 We are to love others to the same extent that Jesus loves us! How much does Jesus love us? He stretched out His arms and gave his life for us on the cross, so that our sins could be forgiven - which met our greatest need! He asks us to do likewise, by giving our lives for the benefit of others.
Dear Lord, help us be more perceptive to the needs of others. Show us what their true needs are and empower us Lord, by your Spirit, to meet those needs in the way that accomplishes your purposes and brings glory to you. Amen.