Being Blessed and a Blessing

I watched some of the coverage this past Saturday of the women’s marches that were held around the world. It was a phenomenal thing to witness, and perhaps a living, breathing example of this coming Sunday’s gospel reading of the Beatitudes.

These women, some certainly more blunt and forceful than others, came together to speak and walk in solidarity on behalf of those whose rights and dignity are potentially threatened by the incoming US administration. I’m sure that within the millions who marched (including many men and children) were many poor in spirit, experiencing grief of many kinds, the meek, and those hungering and thirsting for what is right, offering mercy, having pure hearts, and seeking to be peacemakers. Many had probably been persecuted for standing up for the rights of all of God’s children who are equally loved by God..

Besides those mentioned above, the last on the list of blessed people in Matthew 5:1-12 are those who are persecuted for their faith in Christ. They are to rejoice because their reward in heaven will be great. Many Christians were part of the marches, walking with strangers from all backgrounds and realities. It occurred to me that this is where the Church should be – walking alongside, while still being unashamed of our identity as followers of Jesus. 

The Beatitudes point to ways of being in the world that resonate with God’s mission of love and rescue. How can we help our learners to understand and emulate them? Consider one or more of these ways:

1. Have a Beatitude wall in your learning space with a sign for each of the 9 types of people mentioned, or find a poster of the Beatitudes online or at a Christian bookstore. If needed, add a brief definition for those that are not obvious. Talk about what each idea means and could mean – does poor in spirit mean economically poor? weighed down or depressed or sad? What does hungering and thirsting for righteousness look and feel like? How do you know if your heart is pure? Also be sure to define the word blessed.

2. The Beatitudes express God’s care and provision for people doing or experiencing all of the things listed. Brainstorm together in what ways we can help to provide care. How can we comfort those who have lost a pet or family member? What does mercy mean, and how can we offer it to someone who needs it? What can we do if we see someone being persecuted? Make a list together and be on the lookout for ways that you can help bring about God’s Kingdom as a group and individually. You could even act out scenarios that you come up with to try it out.

3. As a leader, notice when learners are exhibiting one of the 9 traits and encourage others to notice too. Offer a high 5 or just verbally acknowledge when someone offers forgiveness, makes peace, is humble, shows their heart or strives to do things God’s way. When learners choose the opposite of a Beatitude, challenge them to take note of the impact of that choice. How could they respond differently?

4. With older learners, talk about what it is like to be a Christian in school and other public places. For some, even being a Christian in their home may invite persecution if their family do not support their faith. Matthew 5:11-12 may ring hollow – to rejoice in the face of it – but it is a chance to think about some of the prophets and all they endured so that we could have the faith we have today. What are some positive responses to offer to people who bully or treat Christians poorly because of their faith? How should we respond when people are persecuted for a faith other than Christianity?

5. Play some games to solidify the concepts from the Beatitudes. Write half of each on one page (who is blessed) and what they receive on another. Challenge learners to match them up, perhaps running through an obstacle course first to get to the matching area. Or make it into a game of Family Feud with a few responses for each of the 9 but only one that is most correct as the top answer. You could also sing Blest are They by David R. Haas (Presbyterian Church in Canada Book of Praise 624) or You are Blessed (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXhYqD0POkM).

One website said “Let the Beatitudes Be Your Attitude”. How different would the world be if we all offered these gifts and recognized that our difficulties were just shoring us up for something much better? How amazing these promises of God are to us! Don’t forget to take stock of all of the ways that God blesses you each day.

This week, may you soak in God’s provision through these verses which begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. May you know the promise that the efforts we put into being Christ-like really make a difference for the Kingdom.