God favors those who choose to rely on Him.

Matthew 5:7-10 (ESV)

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Yesterday, we looked at how God shows favor to those who rely on him because it’s the only option they have. Let’s be honest though, many of us won’t fall into that category. If you’re reading this on a phone or computer, you already have more money than most of the people in the world. It’s even possible you’ve never really experienced true tragedy, and have always had friends or family to bail you out when things have gotten bad.

In today's verses, Jesus starts to address a different group of people, those who choose God over their own desires.

Those who are merciful: People who have power to harm or destroy another and choose not to.

Those whose hearts are pure: People who don’t watch, say, and think what’s cool, only what is good and right.

Those who work for peace: Those who give their time, money, and lives to bring peace and salvation to the broken and hurting around them.

Those who are persecuted for doing right: Anyone who does what is good in God’s eyes and is harmed by others for it.

God recognizes that these people are choosing to give their lives for Him, and for the sake of helping others. God loves this, for it is an imitation of how much he loves us. If everyone acted just a little more like our God, the world would be irreversibly changed for the better.

Dear Lord, help us to be merciful and forgiving, cleanse our heart and make it pure. Help us to follow Your will in everything we do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.