COMPARE TITUS 3:3-11 & MATTHEW 5:3-12 (NLT)

NOT EVERYONE WILL AGREE WITH YOU

"Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace, He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them."

 

THE BEATITUDES ARE HOW WE SHOULD RESPOND

                         God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
                         for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
                         God blesses those who mourn,
                         for they will be comforted.
                         God blesses those who are humble,
                         for they will inherit the whole earth.
                 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
                         for they will be satisfied.
                 God blesses those who are merciful,
                         for they will be shown mercy.
                        God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
                         for they will see God.
                        God blesses those who work for peace,
                         for they will be called the children of God.
                        God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
                         for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

HERE'S WHY

¹¹ God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.