"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Mt 5.7
Interpretation- Those who relate to 'others' (this could be broadly stated as everything in creation; not only people) with forgiveness will discover they are unconditionally accepted with mercy.
Mercy is a 'forgiveness' attitude- beings are unconditionally accepted for what they ARE; NOT what they MAY BECOME. Mercy isn't earned by following a set of laws/commandments. It's Being, not Doing that's the important quality. God, alone has control over 'your' Being.
This brings up the greatest challenges for most people...
How do I find God, and His kingdom?
Why is God so distant?
I've accepted Christ, so why do I still struggle with my life?
Repentance is the key (born of spirit) which allows the follower to participate in God's kingdom. Layering new beliefs onto an alienated, unconverted self only shifts the problems around.
Let's look at an analogy- Think of an un-repentant/sinful person as analogous to a pile of dirty dishes...to 'repent' is be cleansed. When the 'un-repentant' self tries to 'fix' it's fallen state, by accepting new or different beliefs; it would be analogous to adjusting the placement of the dishes in the house, but never washing them. No matter how neatly stacked or redistributed they are, they will never be clean. This is what is meant by the statement, 'sinful creatures fall short of the glory of God'. Here's the interesting 'twist'...under the grime are CLEAN dishes!
An alienated self can NEVER enter God's kingdom; no matter how well it fits 'accepted' norms of belief. Mt 5.20 "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Repentance is the only path through which one enters God's kingdom.
It's not 'what you think' that matters; it's what you ARE... and THAT is not in self's control.
Repentance is an amazingly simple process; anyone, at any time can 'find' it! Don't let your discursive mind fool you...the solution is 'in your midst'... stop 'dirtying' the 'self' and you'll discover your real 'being', which IS participating in God's kingdom!
Matthew
Interpretation- Those who relate to 'others' (this could be broadly stated as everything in creation; not only people) with forgiveness will discover they are unconditionally accepted with mercy.
Mercy is a 'forgiveness' attitude- beings are unconditionally accepted for what they ARE; NOT what they MAY BECOME. Mercy isn't earned by following a set of laws/commandments. It's Being, not Doing that's the important quality. God, alone has control over 'your' Being.
This brings up the greatest challenges for most people...
How do I find God, and His kingdom?
Why is God so distant?
I've accepted Christ, so why do I still struggle with my life?
Repentance is the key (born of spirit) which allows the follower to participate in God's kingdom. Layering new beliefs onto an alienated, unconverted self only shifts the problems around.
Let's look at an analogy- Think of an un-repentant/sinful person as analogous to a pile of dirty dishes...to 'repent' is be cleansed. When the 'un-repentant' self tries to 'fix' it's fallen state, by accepting new or different beliefs; it would be analogous to adjusting the placement of the dishes in the house, but never washing them. No matter how neatly stacked or redistributed they are, they will never be clean. This is what is meant by the statement, 'sinful creatures fall short of the glory of God'. Here's the interesting 'twist'...under the grime are CLEAN dishes!
An alienated self can NEVER enter God's kingdom; no matter how well it fits 'accepted' norms of belief. Mt 5.20 "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Repentance is the only path through which one enters God's kingdom.
It's not 'what you think' that matters; it's what you ARE... and THAT is not in self's control.
Repentance is an amazingly simple process; anyone, at any time can 'find' it! Don't let your discursive mind fool you...the solution is 'in your midst'... stop 'dirtying' the 'self' and you'll discover your real 'being', which IS participating in God's kingdom!
Matthew
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