Matthew 5:7 KJV, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
EG White, SOP Vol 2, 1877, p. 208, “Here Jesus struck a blow at the arrogance and cruel intolerance of the Jews. Both priests and people were, as a rule, overbearing, quarreling with all who opposed them, severely critical and resentful of any reflection cast upon their own acts. Jesus said of the Pharisees, ‘Ye tithe mint, and rue, and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God.’ The Saviour desired to teach his followers a lesson of mercy that they should not be wanting in that tender compassion which pities and aids the suffering and erring, and avoids magnifying the faults of others.”
Matthew 5:8 KJV, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
EG White, SOP Vol 2,1877, Pp. 208-209, “The Jews were so exacting in regard to ceremonial purity that their regulations were extremely burdensome. Their minds were so occupied with rules and restrictions, and the fear of outward defilement, that they lost sight of the necessity for purity of motive and nobility of action. They did not perceive the stain that selfishness, injustice, and malice, leave upon the soul. Jesus declared that the pure in heart should see God. They would recognize him in the person of his Son, who was sent to the world for the salvation of the human race. Their minds, being cleansed and occupied with pure thoughts, would more clearly discover the Creator in the works of his mighty hand, in the things of beauty and magnificence which comprise the universe. They would live as in the visible presence of the Almighty, in a world of his creation, during the time that he apportions them here. They would also see God in the future immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden. Even now the pure in heart see God ‘through a glass darkly, but then face to face.'”
Matthew 5:9 KJV, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
EG White, SOP Vol 2, 1877, Pp. 209-210, “Our Heavenly Father is a God of peace. When he created man he placed him in an abode of peace and security. All was unity and happiness in the garden of Eden. Those who are partakers of the divine nature will love peace and contentment; they will cultivate the virtues that insure those results. They will seek to allay wrath, to quiet resentment and fault finding, and all the evil passions that foster quarrels and dissensions. The more men unite with the world, and fall into its ways, the less they have of the true elements of peace in their hearts, and the more they are leavened with the bitterness of worldly strife, jealousy, and evil thoughts toward each other, which only needs certain circumstances to develop them into active agents for evil. Those whose anger kindles at slight provocations, and those who watch the words and acts of others to secretly report them where they will stir up enmity, are the direct opposite of the peacemakers who are called the children of God.
The true Christian will in his intercourse with men suppress words that would tend to produce unnecessary anger and strife. All Heaven is at peace, and those who are closely connected with Christ will be in harmony with Heaven. Jesus declared: ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation; but in me ye shall have peace.’ Those who are in sympathy with the Saviour will not be restless and dissatisfied. They will partake of the nature of Christ, and their lives will emulate his example.”
Romans 12:18 KJV, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Hebrews 10:24 KJV, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
It is the preparation day. Let us prepare our hearts and minds to worship the Only True God and His Only Begotten Son by being merciful, pure, and peacemakers. Will see you tomorrow via Zoom click here for more info.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.
Sincerely in the Blessed Hope.