understanding God's heart

God always has a heart for the poor and the needy. As we reach out to those who are coping with cancer and others who are going through some form of suffering or distress, I pray that the following devotional from Our Daily Journey may guide us to bless those who God blesses.

Source : ODB Ministries
Date of devotional : 6 Oct 2015
Scripture reading : Matthew 5:1-12
Title : Blessing what God blesses

In 2014, something called the Multidimensional Poverty helped researchers determine that there are 1.6 billion poor people on earth! When you read through Scripture, it soon becomes clear that God has always had a particular concern for the poor, the forgotten, and the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 10:18, 15:11). And when Jesus spoke His Sermon on the Mount, it’s not surprising that He first blesses the poor (Matthew 5:3). So if we’re to be about God’s business, shouldn’t we bless those who God blesses?

If He blesses the poor (Matthew 5:3), shouldn’t we bless them with education, health care, work opportunities, and our presence?

If God blesses those who mourn (Matthew 5:4), shouldn’t we bless them with listening ears, comforting arms, practical help, and home visits?

If He blesses the humble and pure in heart (Matthew 5:5,8), shouldn’t we encourage them in their journeys and learn from their ways?

If God blesses those who hunger for justice (Matthew 5:6), shouldn’t we support their fight for a fair wage or join in their anti-trafficking campaigns?

If He blesses the merciful (Matthew 5:7), shouldn’t we support those who visit hospitals, rehabilitate prisoners, and befriend the addicted—selflessly extending His mercy to others?

If God blesses those who work for peace (Matthew 5:9), shouldn’t we stand with those who choose nonviolent ways to help liberate their oppressed people?

And if He blesses the persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12), shouldn’t we support the abused and those who suffer every day for their faith?

We’re to imitate God “in everything [we] do” (Ephesians 5:1), follow His teaching (Luke 6:40), and be the hands and feet of Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:27). May we bless what He blesses—serving others with the compassion He provides.

Application :
Read Isaiah 58:6 & consider God's heart for the hurting & oppressed. How engaged are you with the world's suffering? Which people group is God stirring your heart to bless?