In Matthew 5:10 Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake”. Most of us would have to ask, “Why would anyone be happy because they are being persecuted?” Actually, Jesus is not saying that we should be happy because of the persecution itself but rather because of what that persecution implies. If we are being...

Scripture tells us that the relationship we have with our fellow man is second only to the relationship we have with God. In Matthew 22:36-39 Jesus was asked, “which is the great commandment in the law?” His response was, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and...

The phrase “pure in heart” as used in Matthew 5:8 means to have a heart that is free from corrupting influences, and single in purpose. In other words, one who is pure in heart has as their sole goal in life to be pleasing to God and to do His will in all things. Many times in scripture we read of the dangers of attempting to “straddle the fence”...

In Matthew 5:7 Jesus states a principle that is found throughout the New Testament. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”. If we expect to receive mercy from God at the judgement then we must show mercy to others in this life, even those who are our enemies. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-45. “You have heard that it...