Makarios: Joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and changes of life.
THE FOUR SOCIAL QUALITIES THAT ARE BLESSED
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 ESV
1. COMPASSIONATE IN SPIRIT: O the bliss of the merciful!
'Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.' Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT
'For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.' Romans 3:23 NLT
'Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord… Romans 7:24-25 NLT
A LACK OF MERCY AND COMPASSION IS EVIDENCE OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor - sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13 NLT
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV
2. PURE HEART. PURE VISION: O bliss of the Sincere!
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy - full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish and then the outside will become clean, too.' Matthew 23:25-26 NLT
‘“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”Jesus replied, “‘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.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”’ Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV
3. STRIVING FOR PEACE: O the bliss of those who create harmony!
'Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' Romans 12:17-18
PUBLIC CRITICISMS NEVER CHANGE ANYONE. HOWEVER, PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS IN LOVE DO.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 ESV
'And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.' Romans 8:17 NLT
...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.' Colossians 1:20 NIV
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 ESV
4. UNSWERVING LOYALTY: O the bliss of the sufferer for Christ!
Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:43-44
“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. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
Be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:6-8 NLT
THE TRUTH IS THAT YOUR LOYALTY IS ROOTED IN YOUR TRUST LEVEL OF GOD