11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- P107
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - P107
When we are discouraged, mourning, and in need of God, we are blessed because we know that we have access to the kingdom of heaven and can find comfort in Him. When we seek God’s righteousness, we have assurance that we will receive it. - P108
When we extend mercy to those around us, we can also expect to see mercy in our own lives, and as we keep our hearts pure before God, we will see and experience Him. - P108
When we act as peacemakers, we demonstrate that we are children of God. Even in times of persecution, we can rejoice when we hold on to God’s promises and trust in His faithfulness. We can rejoice because we know that we are His blessed people with the assurance of the kingdom of heaven. - P108
As the blessed people of the kingdom of heaven, our role is to be like Christin this world. Jesus declares that we are the salt of the earth and the light ofthe world. Just as salt preserves and adds flavor, we are called to bring God‘sholiness and truth where He has placed us. We must continually guard oursaltiness the new nature God has given us-for if we lose it, then we canno longer benefit the people around us. - P108
Just as Jesus also came as a lightinto the world, we are called to shine with good deeds that reflect God‘scharacter. As we faithfully live out our calling in Christ Jesus, we will bringglory to our heavenly Father. - P108
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me into the blessings of Your kingdom through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to live out my identity as one who is blessed, and to be a Christ-like influence as salt and light in the world. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P109
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