JANUARY 16
MATTHEW 5:5_for they shall inherit the earth.
Let’s talk about power.
There is the power which slaps a face or throws a punch when it feels offended.
There is the power endued with the kind of creativity to design and carry out a perfect plan of revenge and pay back.
There is the power which stimulates sexual desires through dress or touch.
If all of this power was kept under the control of love it would neither slap, pay back, or stimulate. It would be meekness.
What’s the point of all this? Why would you even care? You wouldn’t, except for one reason – because a new heart causes you to love others more than yourself.
You would rather suffer than to cause suffering.
Jesus set the example with His compassion for people. He understood the only way to overpower sin was with the power of love. He endured suffering so you could live in freedom.
The reward of meekness is to inherit the earth – that’s some kind of big inheritance! The earth is filled with people. The earth is in great need of meek people.
You have only one opportunity to live this life – live it for the good of all the people who are a part of your existence.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I pray You teach me meekness and compassion controlled by love. I trust You to give me opportunities to do good – and the courage to take the opportunities. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ owns the earth—He shares it with me to do good!
The Works of Her Hands 