Matthew 5:6-7 (NIVUK)
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
It never ceases to amaze me how there’s always something fresh to discover in the Bible, even if you’ve read it many times. I’d never, for example, noticed the coupling of these two beatitudes before, and the way they bring together justice and grace, the idea that God longs for us to live lives that are good and non-destructive, not hurting or harming others, but recognises that we will all mess up from time to time, and so calls for us to offer each other forgiveness and a fresh start when we do. Both aspects are needed and are to be held together.
Father, help me by your Spirit to be more like Jesus, and help me to receive your forgiveness when I’m not. Help me to campaign for justice, not in order to point the finger or punish, but in order to help all know a better life.
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