Living Happy - Part 3
Jesus tells us that we can have a positive, happy, and blessed life. In the Beatitude sermon (one of the greatest sermons) Jesus gives us nine keys to access peace, joy, and a lifetime of fulfillment. This is the final part of our three-part series of Living Happy.I was at a theme park with my grandchildren patiently waiting in a long line. When it came our turn the lady working at the park, for no reason, treated us harshly in front of everyone around. I wanted to point out her discourteousness because I hate feeling rejected and unloved by people - clearly the attendant did not like grandmothers. I thought about making a T-shirt “Don’t Bully Grandma’s.” Instead I quickly realized I was not the victim here - I am a victor. I am happy, beautiful, and kind. In my mind, I intentionally designed a new T-shirt, “Spoil a Grandma,"2,000 years ago, Jesus climbed up on a hill and preached to us the nine Beatitudes. Some scholars believe the nine Beatitudes of Jesus are comparative to the Ten Commandments. Jesus represents grace. God represents the law. Both are considered beliefs to live by. Jesus gave us these rules to live by… so we can be happy and enjoy life. Today we are looking at the last two Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers.Matthew 5:10 Blessed are the persecuted.
These two beatitudes seem to be a contradiction. Jesus is saying to be a peacemaker you will suffer persecution. In other words, when you are mistreated by anyone: Stay in peace then you will receive happiness and blessing. Jesus is trying to tell us that we are blessed when we suffer ill-treatment. When I suffer mistreatment I don’t feel happy. I feel anger and I want to retaliate. Jesus was the most persecuted and bullied person who ever lived. I wonder how Jesus endured mistreatment and stayed in peace. The Bible says Jesus always made the perfect choice when facing persecution. The Bible also tells us Jesus matured through the things He suffered.
Hebrews 5:8 Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN BY BEING MISTREATED?
- We will suffer persecution for wanting to live Godly.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 - "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
- The Bible is teaching us that God doesn’t just coddle us but He also allows us to face difficulties that will mature us. A spiritually mature woman knows she will suffer persecution and mistreatment in different situations but she also knows how to overcome it and live in peace.
- We will suffer mistreatment and we will mature, grow, and learn obedience.
- Hebrews 5:8-10 - "… God’s Son… learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Then, having arrived at the full … maturity …he became … salvation to all who … obey him."
- When you suffer mistreatment how do you respond? Do you immediately find a way to make peace? Do you tell yourself I am going to a peacemaker and overlook this mistreatment? A peacemaking is forgiving. She is a women who makes peace with difficult people by overlooking their faults.
- Next time you encounter a bully… overlook their offensive behavior. A peacemaker knows how to handle persecution and mistreatment. Ask yourself, "Am I a peacemaker?"
- We have the power of the Holy Spirit to stay in peace.
- Gal 5:22 - "The fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace."
AFFIRM YOURSELF BY DECLARING THIS OVER YOURSELF:
I am a peacemaker, I am able to overcome persecution.I know God can and will help me love difficult people.I am a peacemaker who thinks good about others.I am loving and forgiving.God made me an incredible women.I am blessed.My life is good.People love me.I don’t let negative people rob me of my peace.I am highly valued by God.I am important and my life has real significance.God designed me perfectly for a special purpose.I have everything I need in my DNA to accomplish my God given destiny.Hurtful and negative people will not stop me.
BELIEVE WHAT GOD FEELS ABOUT YOU:
God loves you unconditionally.Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit has set their peace on you.You cannot earn God’s love or peace.Just enjoy the fact that you are constantly surrounded by the peace of God.You are the apple of God’s eye.You are accepted by God.You are of the highest worth.His most treasured possession.You are the greatest thing He loves.You are God’s peacemaker on earth.You can and you will, overcome persecution and mistreatment.
I’d love to hear about a time you made peace in the midst of persecution.Love you,Tami McKinney