In the beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-12) Jesus was describing the things that He value, which were things that were totally opposite of what the world requires of us. Jesus was describing the character that he wanted to instill in his followers and/or believers. Jesus even explains that people in the world will oppose all those who followed him. Jesus tells us that he wants us to be like Him. But all believers who follow Jesus are usually opposed and attack in some way. Jesus simply wants us to apply the beatitudes to our daily lives. The beatitudes are a breakdown of the care-giver. For example, the beatitudes are a “code of ethics,” and a “standard of conduct.” The world has taught us to live in a way that is not of God.
Therefore, Jesus has established a standard of conduct for all believers. The beatitudes teach us how to be blessed. According to the commentary (NIV) the word, “blessed,” means, “more than happiness.” We are to experience unspeakable joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding. The beatitudes are the values that Jesus want us to live by. The Bible teaches us to renew our minds, to become transformed, and not conformed to the things of this world (Romans 12:1-12) we are servants of Christ, and God expects our reasonable service unto Him.
Jesus promises those who are poor in spirit the kingdom of heaven. As kingdom children we are blessed with benefits unlike the world. The kingdom of heaven is within us; our attitudes reflect the humility and self sacrifice of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Whenever we as care-givers care for the people of God, God cares for us; whenever we mourn, we have a comforter, who comforts us. All the care-givers who are meek and humble shall inherit the earth. Our ministries should reflect the humble spirit of Christ, so that when we minister to God’s people we will show an example of Christ behavior and values. A care-giver yearns for righteousness and are persecuted for righteousness sake. Jesus is a care-giver, and as he is so are we. We are peace makers and pure at heart representing Christ. We are ministers of reconciliation, reconciling the lost to Christ Jesus.
In Matthew 5 Jesus was expressing all the laws and values we should live by each day. He preached the Sermon on the Mount, which challenge the legalistic religious leaders, who lived a very proud and legalistic life; unlike the ways of Jesus. God’s way of living always contradicts the world. Jesus speaks about “Salt and light,” meaning that Christians should make a difference in the lives of others; otherwise we would be of no value to God. As care-givers we are not to be angry with our brothers and sisters; Jesus teaches us that to be angry with our brothers means that we are subject to judgment (Matt. 5:22)
As Care-givers we need to keep our minds on pure, healthy thoughts about our mates, ourselves and others. We should always have thoughts of peace, and not of lust or evil. Jesus calls this “adultery.” The values of Jesus should become a life-style for the care-giver. Also Jesus clearly does not believe in divorce, he makes this clear when he preached the “Sermon on the Mount.” God is a God of love and community. He believes in eternal life, everlasting love, and unconditional love that last forever.
Care-givers are admonished to love our enemies, and give to the needy. Jesus loves us unconditionally, he is the incarnate Jesus. He is God who came down from heaven to earth, to become human, and fashioned himself as a man; just because he loved us and wanted to feel our pain. So we as Care-givers are to be like Jesus and feel the pain of those who are in need, love those who are difficult to get along with, be good to those who curse us and despitefully use us. We are to become the other person and walk in their shoes as Jesus did for you. Incarnation should become a life-style for the care-giver. Jesus preached a value system for us to live by. Jesus is our example setter, and as he is so are we in the world (1 John 4:17)
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