And He opened His Mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 2-12.
I picture this as a pep talk with Jesus as the coach of a team of Christians. He might say something like, “Of course there are teams that get ahead because they do unethical things, and the ones focused on playing a good honest game on earth don’t get ahead. I know the team takes a hit for playing the game ethically and sometimes gets laughed at. I know you definitely don’t rake in the big bucks and status the way other players do. I promise that you will have your compensation in heaven for all your hard work and sacrifice on My behalf. Your efforts never go unnoticed and will be repaid. Keep up the good work and don’t let the world get you down!” I think Jesus would want us to all be Pep Talk Christians supporting new and struggling Christians, and those who have been Christians for years.
Here is a related passage:
*And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. Matthew, Chapter 19, verse 29.
Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.
