The Beatitudes were always some of my favorite scriptures. Unlike a lot of things that I read or heard when I was younger, this seemed very straightforward. When I thought about what I should be doing, how I should be treating people, this came to mind. I often found answers to my questions in this short section of Matthew. They’re a quick guideline for not just who I should be, but how I should treat the people around me. Never look down on someone because God loves us all, and those that the world considers the least are the people that God will hold in the palm of His hand.
And it was also nice, because I knew them by heart, thanks to Dan Haas’ song Blest Are They.
Blest are they, the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of God. Blest are they, they, full of sorrow, they shall be consoled
Blest are they, the lowly ones, they shall inherit the earth. Blest are they who hunger and thirst, they shall have their fill.
Blest are they who show mercy, mercy shall be theirs. Blest are they, the pure of heart, they shall see God!
Blest are they who seek peace; they are the children of God. Blest are they who suffer in faith, the glory of God is theirs.
Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me. Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom; shine for all to see.
Those lyrics spoke to me. Every time I hear them, it’s a little reminder that the world is made up of all kinds of people who live all kinds of lives, but it’s not my place to judge those people, or their lives. I am a member of God’s community, and I need to make sure that I treat everyone with the love and respect they deserve. That’s not always easy, and truthfully, I fail at that a lot.
When I think about this journey I’m getting ready to go on, the final beatitude really speaks to me: “Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me.”
I couldn’t imagine living in a country where I would be persecuted because I believe Jesus Christ is our savior. But I know that’s a reality for millions of people around the world. And I’ll be in some of those countries throughout the next year. It’s a scary concept that people are hated, brutalized and even killed for having the same religious convictions that I take for granted.
But I look forward to having the chance to talk to those people. To pray with those people. To learn from those people.
And hopefully I’ll be able to offer them something in return.
