The Songbirds of The Living Library told Pearl that there are three most important Truths found in Matthew Chapter 5. She practiced them until she could count them on the toes of her favorite foot.
True Happiness Through Humility and Mercy
(SLL&C Version, Matthew 5:3) “Happy are those who know they need God. They will be part of His Heavenly kingdom.”
You may know a great deal, but if you do not know that you need God, your knowing is a waste. Only God can rescue you, and even the dangerously majestic beauty of his creation reminds us of this.
Loving Enemies Without Holding Grudges
(SLL&C Version, Matthew 5:44) “But I tell you, love your enemies like the hawks and pray for those who want to swoop down on you endlessly.” With kindness and forgiveness like this, you are reflecting God’s own love in action. Our enemies may want only the worst for us, but we only want the love of Jesus for them.
Greatness Found In Righteousness and Mercy
(SLL&C Version, Matthew 5:7) “Blessed are the merciful because they will be shown mercy.” This is where real greatness can be found because it reflects God’s own character in Jesus and how he will treat you. We should never pass up an opportunity to show mercy to those who are in the greatest need of mercy.
Pearl’s Ponderings
When I listened to the world, I hear that true happiness is found in stealing the biggest, juiciest earthworms while still making other chickens happy so that they don’t peck me on my head. I’m also told that I need to carry a grudge and peck them back harder the first chance that I get. And perhaps the loudest thing I hear is that I don’t need to show any of those other chicken any mercy. Why should I give them something that I’m not going to get myself?! BUT those aren’t the truths that Jesus is telling me in my heart.
Thanks for reading!
John and Pearl
Sooo good!