TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:3–6
DEVOTIONAL
by Stephanie Reloj
The curriculum of Grade 1 Christian Education in JCA includes Bible character traits per lesson, like humility, forgiveness, and kindness. I often ask the kids if practicing a particular character trait is easy. Most of them would say, “Yes!” Although very few would say “no,” I am always amazed whenever they answer enthusiastically. In my mind, I pray, “Lord, give me the enthusiasm and purity of these kids so I can also find it easy to apply the lesson.”
In Matthew 5, Jesus paints a vivid portrait of the character of a true believer. He begins His Sermon on the Mount by describing qualities that are counterintuitive to the world but essential for those who follow Him. Meekness, humility, mercy, hunger for righteousness, and peacemaking are not merely virtues to possess but the very fabric of a genuine Christian’s life.
Just as God instructed Israel to be distinct from the surrounding nations in Leviticus 18:3, Jesus calls his followers to stand out in a world marked by selfishness, pride, and injustice. The Beatitudes outline not just a set of behaviors but a transformation of the heart that reflects Christ’s own character. While Israel often failed to uphold God’s standards, Jesus presents a new community—His followers—who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s ways.
As Christians, we are called to continually progress towards becoming more like Christ despite our inevitable failures along the way. Our longing for righteousness stems from our new birth in Christ, and the Holy Spirit enables us to live obediently, albeit imperfectly. The Beatitudes serve as a rallying point, reminding us of the high standard Christ set for us, which He fulfilled on our behalf.
REFLECTION
Are you actively pursuing the character traits outlined in the Beatitudes? How can you embody meekness, humility, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness in your daily interactions with others?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Help us to embody the character traits of the Beatitudes, even when it’s difficult or counter-cultural. May our lives reflect your love, mercy, and righteousness to the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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