The Attributes of a Follower

Scripture: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.(Matt 5:3-12)

In the famous sermon on the mount, Jesus describes the attributes His followers are to have, starting with being "poor in spirit". Someone who is "poor in spirit" realizes that they are spiritually lacking. They realize that without God they have nothing. God is looking for His children to be completely dependent on him: to mourn their spiritual deficiencies and to intensely desire to possess more of God's attributes. He wants us to be humble (not boastful), merciful (full of compassion), and to be people who are seeking to make peace instead of instigating trouble. He warns His children that they will be persecuted and have false accusations attributed to them because of their devotion to Him. One needs only to look at how brutally spiritual values are attacked in the media to see that this is true. But Jesus points out that this has been the case for all of those that have had the courage to speak out for God.

Prayer: Dear Lord- Thank you for not giving up on me. Help me to care about what you care about. Help me to care about who you care about. Thank you for showing me mercy and help me always to be merciful to others. In Jesus name, Amen.