Love God Greatly: BeatitudesSample

There are three important reasons we should be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient: we are chosen, holy, and beloved. We are chosen: God has not abandoned or forgotten us, but has graciously protected us and promised us a hopeful future. We are holy: God has given us a righteousness we could never create for ourselves, and our proper response to such a gift is to act in ways that point others to Him. We are beloved: God does not need us or our worship, but He delights in us, and He loves us. 

Our identity changes our actions: when we understand who we are in Christ, it should change the way we treat other people. As chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are commanded to put on attributes that testify to our identity. When people interact us with, they should notice that we are different, that we act like chosen, holy, beloved people. 

God, thank You for choosing me, loving me, and making me holy! Give me the strength and conviction to treat other people in such a way that it points them to You. Bring people into my life that I can share Your love with.