Day 130/260: Read Matthew 5

Do you want to be happy? Who doesn’t? Jesus gives the keys to eternal happiness in the Sermon on the Mount. He begins with what we commonly call “the beatitudes.” The word “blessed” carries with it the connotation of happiness.

So, do you want to be happy? Jesus says be humble (or “poor in spirit”). Mourn over sin. Be meek. Crave spiritual knowledge. Show mercy. Develop purity in your heart. Make peace with those around you. Stand for what is right, regardless of the consequences in this life.

How we respond to God and how we treat other people has a profound impact on our happiness. When we focus on our own desires all the time, negativity will creep in. We see what we have not accomplished, what we do not possess, and we develop a defeatist attitude.

But when we focus on serving God and others, we obtain so much joy. By making God and other people happy, we make ourselves happy.

While I am a firm believer in the necessity to know how to say “no” on occasion, that should not be our default answer to every request. Read carefully Jesus’ words in verses 38 through 48. We must be willing to make some sacrifices to help others, to go the second mile, to give up our coat along with our tunic.

Do you want to be happy? “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Matthew 5:9. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Pray

Pray for your enemies by name.