How to see the face of God

I can’t help but feel the weight and beauty of the words Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly in the Beatitudes. Every phrase He used holds a deep, transformative truth, inviting us to redefine what it means to live a “blessed” life. This episode, where Mike and I dug into these teachings, was an exploration of both our understanding and our lived experiences. It felt personal, and I’d like to share these reflections with you, as if we’re having a quiet conversation about the lessons God has been unfolding in our lives.

One of the central themes we explored is how we often misunderstand the word "blessed." In our world, “blessed” often correlates with comfort, success, or happiness. But in the Beatitudes, Jesus upends this idea. He speaks of being “blessed” even in situations of humility, sorrow, and hunger for righteousness. This type of blessedness has nothing to do with our external circumstances—it’s about an inward alignment with God’s heart and purpose.

We discussed what it means to be "poor in spirit," to recognize our absolute dependence on God. It's a humbling realization that we bring nothing to the table except our own need. And it’s in that need that we find God’s fullness. This struck me as a profound truth. In a society that prizes self-sufficiency, Jesus calls us to acknowledge our spiritual poverty, to mourn over it, and to trust that only He can fill us.

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

In our discussion, we also looked at what it means to “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” This isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about desiring a life in alignment with God’s justice, mercy, and truth. In the Hebrew language, righteousness (zedekah) embodies justice and right relationships. Jesus is calling us to more than just personal piety—He’s inviting us to become agents of His righteousness in the world.

In our lives, this has meant asking ourselves hard questions. Do we yearn to see God’s justice enacted in our communities? Do we live in a way that honors both our relationship with Him and our connection to others? This hunger isn’t satisfied by merely “being good.” It’s about seeking God’s heart, allowing His righteousness to permeate our lives so that we can, in turn, bring His light to others.

Mercy and Purity of Heart: Living Outwardly

Reflecting on the Beatitudes also led us to discuss mercy and purity of heart. Mercy, as we explored, is more than a feeling of sympathy—it’s an active compassion, a protective love. We’re called to show mercy, to create a safe place for others, much like a mother cradling her child. This mercy is deeply relational, and Jesus promises that as we show mercy, we will also be recipients of it. Living with this heart of mercy has been challenging but rewarding, as it calls us to love beyond what’s comfortable.

Purity of heart, on the other hand, is about having undivided motives. The promise here is profound: to see God. Purity isn’t about outward perfection but about a sincere, unpretentious heart that longs to be close to Him. It’s a call to intentionality, a reminder that God values our motives and intentions.

Living Out the Beatitudes

Walking through the Beatitudes has been a process of unlearning and relearning for me. Jesus’s message isn’t just an ancient teaching; it’s a roadmap for living in God’s Kingdom now. The Beatitudes challenge us to shift our perspective, to value humility, mercy, and hunger for righteousness over comfort and worldly success. And they offer us a beautiful promise: that as we walk in these truths, we will experience a life deeply rooted in God’s presence and love.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to take a moment to meditate on these Beatitudes. How can we live out the blessed life Jesus describes? Let’s walk this path together, one step closer to His Kingdom.

If you’d like to dive deeper into this conversation, join Mike and me on the latest episode of the Destiny Awaits podcast. We unravel the profound insights of the Beatitudes and reflect on what it truly means to live a life aligned with God’s purposes. You can find the episode linked in the comments.