Best Attitude Possible

Matthew 5:3-12

Jesus knows, He certainly knows the hardship that this world dishes out to well-intended people. He doesn’t expect much of us and even says that what He expects is easy and light. He even said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Mattew 11:30. There is not a lot we need to do when people are paining us. We don’t need to be heroes in a tit-for-tat stand for Jesus. Jesus knows decent people will be insulted, persecuted in all sorts of ways, to be lied about, and to suffer all kinds of rumors and hurtful words. He doesn’t expect us to be verbally nor aggressively combative in return. Instead, we carry the load of a rugged cross, which Jesus carried Himself,

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrew 12:2

I would feel deep shame if I was rude and abusive to the people Jesus blesses. Those He blesses have a poor spirit, they mourn, they are meek, they hunger and thirst after righteousness, they are merciful, they have a pure heart, and they are peacemakers. These decent people are hounded, hounded by what seems to be legions of demons, day and night. I experience the attacks myself, but I always try to maintain the best attitude possible. Thankfully, Jesus comforts me by letting me know that whatever I’m feeling or thinking I have a reward in Heaven. Where do those thoughts and feelings come from?!

I choose to enjoy the solitude of my apartment, and to treat others cordially and politely when I go grocery shopping, to doctor appointments, or just to enjoy warm sunny weather. Unfortunately, many people return a cursing in exchange for my cordiality towards them, and my enjoyment of Spring weather. Anyway, that’s the cross I carry every day.

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven;
for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets before you.”
Matthew 5:12

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-12