If Christianity is to have relevance in our pagan society, the evidence must be seen in our character and conduct. Walking the talk is precisely the message Jesus was trying to get across to His followers. The first four Beatitudes deal with man's inner relationship with God. He must be aware of his spiritual bankruptcy, admit his need of a Savior and reach for His forgiveness. Only then can he be filled with God's righteousness. The last four Beatitudes reveal a changed character progressively demonstrated throughout life.
Jesus states in verses 7-9: "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." His explanation is simple! A man who has God's righteousness will show mercy because mercy has been shown to him. He will seek to be pure in heart because heaven is only inhabited by pure people. That kind of a person will become a peacemaker.
What does it mean to be merciful? The basic meaning is to give help to those in need: the bereaving, the lonely, the helpless. It is not simply feeling compassion but showing compassion. The story of the Good Samaritan is Luke 10 clearly illustrates this truth. Everyone who passed by the wounded Jew turned away even though some may have felt compassion. But, it was the Good Samaritan who helped bring healing by getting involved. At the end of the story Jesus asks: "which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? (v.36). The religious leaders responded: "the man who had mercy on him.: Jesus then challenged them: "go and do likewise" (v.37).
When Jesus talked about the pure in heart, He was clearly exposing man's impure nature. The heart is the center of our personality. It is the control center of the intellect, emotions and will. Proverbs 4:23 warns: "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." If we are not pure in heart we will only serve Christ out of selfish motives. That is why we need the daily cleansing that is clearly outline in I John 1:7 & 9. For only the pure in heart can serve out of pure motives and they will see God, here and in heaven.
It is obvious then, only those who have first tasted peace with God at the Cross and are filled with His righteousness who can become peacemakers. Man's best effort at peace might involve cessation from hostility or war but it is only temporary. God's peace brings harmony in the heart, in the home and in the world.
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