I am the third child of four and often wonder how much influence birth order has on my personality and instincts. When I was a child, I didn’t instigate conflict. However, if one of my siblings punched me, I would strike back. I’m an adult but the rebellious child still lives within me. I know my weaknesses and recognize my sinful nature.

On Sunday, there was a vote at my home church that has caused much controversy. Many from our congregation, including me, are struggling with self-control. In an effort to remove myself mentally from the situation, I opened my ESV Bible, and the pages fell to The Beatitudes.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3. There is no doubt that my spirit is weak and that I need the Holy Spirit for guidance.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Mathew 5:4. I grieve that my heart is unruly and regret grieving the Holy Spirit.

“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5. Few friends would describe me as meek. It will take a miracle to make me meek. It’s a good thing I know Jesus can perform miracles. I pray for faith to trust God’s will to be done, not my will.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6. I yearn for righteousness and pray for my character to reflect Jesus’ righteousness. Jesus is the only righteous one. If I had to stand before God on my own, I would have to borrow words from Isaiah  “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a woman of unclean lips;”

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7. May God give me a heart to love, forgive, and show mercy to all, just as Jesus has shown mercy to me.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 I ask that God purify my heart, soul and mind and to refine me by the fire of the Holy Spirit. This prayer scares me because I know how much work God still needs to do to mold me into the servant I need to be. But I pray this prayer because I trust Him and I know that He loves me.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9. I pray for discernment to encourage peace. I pray for the ability to avoid conflict.

I wish I could live out the Beatitudes.  I know that if I follow God’s word, then I will have a blessed life and so I will try harder to live in peace with everyone. I cannot serve two masters, and the choice is mine. I can choose to have a blessed life or suffer the woes of Matthew, Chapter 23. Anytime I see a ‘woe’ in the Bible, I know that I need to “whoa’ and consider my life, my thoughts, and actions. I am thankful that God reminded me of the Beatitudes on Sunday and for reminding me that it’s not important that my will be done but that His will be done.

#Woeisme #mercy #blessed #beatitudes