I just finished a series of articles on the beattitude statements Jesus made that are recorded in Matthew 5:3-12.  I would like for my next 4 articles to be a continuation of this series through the common theme and thread of God's Kingdom.

The next article will be about "God's Kingdom and Prayer."  Article 3 will be about "God's Kingdom: Forgiveness and Faith" and article 4 will be titled "God's Kingdom and Prayer (Part 2)".

Jesus concludes his section on stating kingdom blessings upon those who have a certain attitude and disposition with the following words (5:10-12):

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

In Matthew 5:9 Jesus is recorded as teaching, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

The result of God's kingdom growing in my life is spiritual peace.  When God's will rules my life I discover a peace that the world and the ways of the world cannot offer. 

This peace is not dependent upon circumstances, for Jesus still says his disciples will have troubles in the world (John 16:33).  Instead, it is a peace that comes from a relationship and grows as we learn to trust our lives in God's hands.  Isaiah 26:3 says of God, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." 

I see the attitudes Jesus mentions in Matthew 5:3-12 and the results, application, and blessings that come from those who possess these attitudes as building on each other.  Thus, before one has an attitude of mourning they must be poor in spirit (humble).  After learning humility and mourning comes meekness.  Next comes the desire for more in life than what most seek, which is to be filled with God and his righteousness.

In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Just before this statement, Jesus mentions possessing an attitude of being hungry and thirsty for righteousness.  What happens when we become hungry for God?  Jesus says we will be filled.  We will be satisfied.  What is the result of a life and heart that is being filled with God and transformed into His image (poor in spirit, mournful over sin, meek, hungry for righteousness)?  An attitude of mercy!

God is merciful!  God does not give us what we deserve.  Instead, he cuts us some slack.  He forgives.  He is compassionate and gracious.  He is better to us than we are to him.  Our lives are not always fully focused and devoted to him.  We struggle and sometimes fail.  We are sinners desperate for some mercy.

What should be my attitude to others?  To point out every mistake?  To always criticize and complain?  Or to cut them some slack?  To forgive and move on is to show mercy.

Showing mercy is not easy!  To forgive can be challenging!  But it is kingdom living.  It is a God thing.  God gives me the strength and heart/attitude to have mercy as I open my life up to His will and power.

James 2:12-13 reads, "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment!"

In the end, mercy wins.  And the ones who receive mercy from God are those who are willing to show mercy toward others.

Let us all answer this question: Who do I need to show mercy to today?

Now if you do it, YOU will be blessed by God.

-Brian