How to Know the Important Truth About Being Blessed
I refer to myself as “Blessing Counter” on all social media platforms.
So, the question I want to ask today is . . . what exactly is a blessing?
Or to put it another way…
What is being blessed?
The Dictionary defines a blessing as:
- a special favor, mercy, or benefit.
- a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.
- the invoking of God’s favor upon a person.
And being blessed as:
- divinely or supremely favored; fortunate.
- blissfully happy or contented.
But I want to look even deeper. I want to take a closer look at what Jesus said about being blessed in Matthew 5 at The Sermon on the Mount.
Countless Biblical Scholars have preached, taught, and written about this section of Scripture known as The Beatitudes . . . a plethora of words all expanding on these “Blessed are” verses.
Some consider them a “code of ethics,” others believe they contrast Kingdom and worldly values, or superficial and “real” faith. (LAB Notes)
I wonder if maybe Jesus was simply teaching basic eternal spiritual truths.
Let’s take a look…
The Truth About Being Blessed
One day as [Jesus] saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, and He began to teach them.
Matthew 5:1–3
Jesus said: “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
When you and I realize we are poor in spirit and that we need God, we give up our focus on self and we SEEK God … which is why Jesus said, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
What if Jesus was talking about mourning over sin . . . encouraging His listeners to repent because they recognize their need for forgiveness. The blessing is that this leads to the comforting truth of God’s forgiveness.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
Matthew 5:5–6
Humble people trust the Lord and follow His will to love God and love others. Jesus said…
“‘You must love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37–38
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7
Once you and I realize how very merciful and forgiving God has been toward us, we are merciful and forgiving toward others and that begins a beautiful cycle of merciful living among all of God’s children.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
Matthew 5:8–12
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And all of these blessing promises are the result of recognizing our need for God, repenting and turning to Him, SEEKING Him through faith in Jesus, the Word, and prayer.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
The promise and the blessing . . . God will give us everything we need!
Praying the Truth About Being Blessed
Let’s ask God to help us…
Father, I need You! I need Jesus! I need Your Spirit with me and within me. On my own, I am selfish and stubborn. I am so very sorry, please forgive me. Please help me to be humble and forgiving. Help me to seek You above all else . . . to humbly know, trust, and follow Your perfect will. Give me everything I need to be forgiving and love my neighbor because I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Father, this life can be hard. Please give me everything I need . . . I give myself to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Write on today’s post-it note:
I am a SEEKer. I am BLESSED!
May you celebrate His blessings today as you SEEK Jesus and trust Him to fill you with strength, hope, peace, joy, and love.
Seeking Jesus and the kingdom of God each and every day. He is sure to bless those who love Him with their whole being and trust in Him alone.
God’s blessings to you, Deb!
Thanks, Martha! I love thinking about the countless spiritual blessings we have in Jesus. Whatever happens in the world around us . . . His blessings give us everything we need. Praise God!! Have a lovely weekend!
Deb
I love your new book. Guided journaling is so helpful. I also look forward to your emails. Blessings.
Thanks so much for sharing,
Brenda
Thank you so much for getting it and for letting me know. I really appreciate it! And for visiting here at CMB. If you get a sec, it sure would bless me if you would leave a review of the book on Amazon . . . those reviews mean so much to us. Thanks, blessings, and hugs!
I love talking about blessings. Thank you for digging into this topic and providing us with some great scripture. Maree
Thanks for your encouragement, Maree! You always bless me!! God be with you!