New life in Jesus is thrilling and should be celebrated. However, when we take our place in God’s kingdom, our new way of life can create conflict in a world opposed to Jesus. This can cause us to experience everything from indifference to determined opposition and even persecution. Jesus reminds us that this should not surprise us or stop us.

This week we discussed the seventh Beatitude, “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” Every one of us experiences lack of peace due to sin. The good news is that Jesus is the answer to our lack of peace, and this is part of our identity in becoming children of God.

On Easter Sunday we are reminded that through the resurrection of Jesus our hearts can be made pure and we can experience life with God.

Jesus tells us that when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we are blessed because we will be filled. His teaching reminds us that we’re all looking for a life of blessing, but that desire will only be satisfied through Jesus.

Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is a disposition of spirit that Jesus modeled for us and enables us to experience. We can live with authentic humility because we know we are secure in Christ.

Grief and mourning specifically related to death breaks our hearts

But God promises that His faithful presence will be with those who are broken-hearted

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a statement of blessing, invitation and inheritance to those who are aware of their overwhelming need.

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by making it clear that he wants to teach us. Our response is to stop, sit down, listen, and then get up and obey.

In every struggle, God is with us and God is working.