Although I neglected to blog yesterday, I did study the first half of the Beautidues, which leaves me with the second half (verses 6-12) to cover today. Although I enjoyed the overview I did on Monday, it was wonderful to ponder more fully the blessings and promises given through these seven verses. I’m going to address just a few of them and give you some wonderful corresponding scriptures. On a side note, I found the corresponding footnotes in 3 Nephi 12 to provide a few more scriptures than those found in Matthew.
In verse 6, we read that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. Christ elaborates as he speaks to the Nephites (3 Nephi 12:6) – they “shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.” Hopefully we would have deduced that as we studied, but it is always nice to have confirmation. I really enjoyed the promise given in Jeremiah 28:13: “and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (emphasis added). To obtain these blessings, we cannot simply hope to have the Spirit or wish we were doing good; we must be diligent doers of the word. As we seek Him wholeheartedly, as we crave to be spiritually nourished and seek out ways to locate that sustenance – by keeping the commandments and acting with charity – He has promised that we will be filled.
The next verse promises that those who are merciful shall obtain mercy. Although the footnotes don’t reference a specific verse, I immediately recalled the parable given (Matthew 18:23-35) of the king who forgave a servent owing him a debt. Rather than demanding justice and sending the man to prison, he showed mercy and forgave him. However, the servant immediately went to another man who owed him a far lesser sum and, when the man could not pay, threw him in prison. When the king found out, he returned justice for justice. Similarly, countless scriptures tell us that we must forgive to obtain forgiveness.
Finally, I really enjoyed the promises in verses 10-12. Those who are persecuted for their faith will obtain the kingdom of Heaven. Two verses really impressed me with their promises. In 2 Nephi 9:18, those who have ‘endured the crosses of the world’ have the promise that ‘their joy shall be full forever.’ What a magnificent promise! Similarly, in D&C 84:38, we learn that in receiving the Father, we receive His kingdom; ‘therefore, all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.’ Another joyous promise!
If you haven’t already, I urge you to examine the promises given in the Beatitudes and apply them to your own life. The blessings given are wonderful to consider.
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