Matthew 5:2 & 4

Happy Monday, everyone! :)
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Matthew 5:2 & 4
And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

"Mourn"--having a heart that is broken by what breaks God's heart, that is: sin in my own life, sin and it's consequences in the lives of the world around me, the suffering of innocent ones. It's a heart that will not only break over the weak, vulnerable, captive and helpless but will also rise to their defense. This "mourning" moves beyond a feeling of sorrow to action, whether it's repenting of sin as God faithfully convicts, standing in the gap for others, or fighting for freedom (physical, emotional or spiritual) in the lives of those others.

And then there's the promise: "they shall be comforted." It already sounds sweet on the surface, but then I dug a little deeper. The word there for "comforted" is "parakaleo" (para-kuh-LEH-oh), which literally means "to call near". It is a word that is also translated "encourage", and can also mean "to strengthen." I am reminded of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." When we allow God to break our hearts for what breaks His, He calls us even closer to His heart, encouraging us and infusing us with His strength. Now that's comforting... :)

So, do you mind if I paraphrase this verse a bit? :)
"Blessed are those who cultivate a heart that reflects God's heart, allowing their heart to be broken over what breaks His heart. They are the ones that are called near to God, the ones He strengthens to continue the fight, the ones to whom He breathes life and encouragement."

Father, my heart is Yours! Shape it and mold it into a heart like Yours--let it be broken over what breaks Your heart and let it delight in what delights Your heart.

Dancing in the rain,
Haley "SunShine" Miller
"Exhort one another daily while it is called 'Today'" (Hebrews 3:13)
Mornin' SunShine Website
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