Read Matthew 5:1–12 (The Beatitudes).
The beatitudes express the standard of Christ. Imagine that you are present in the crowd or with the disciples, watching and listening to Jesus. Allow his manner and words to affect you.
It's amazing how this man goes up a mountain to speak to us, and there are so many here and babies crying, and yet we can each hear his words perfectly.
He gives me hope, because what he is saying is about us, about me. "Poor in spirit" - that sounds familiar, with a sick husband who doesn't seem to get better. With a world that seems to be going to hell in a handbasket: health care and Trayvon and Syria and Sudan and at-will.
He says that if I continue to strive for what I've always worked for: clean heart, mercy, righteousness: that I will be given peace.
Peace. That's what I need. Peace.
