Possible to be like Christ?

[littlenothing]

I might be misunderstanding this. Instead of being insulted for being Catholic, for instance, it is really more when a person is insulted for something else that might be the Spirit working in them? For example, I have certainly seen people treated poorly for being unwilling to gossip, or for remaining faithful in a suffering marriage. Often people see this as being unassertive or a doormat (some of the biggest “sins” in this society). Am I understanding you right?

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I might be misunderstanding this. Instead of being insulted for being Catholic, for instance, it is really more when a person is insulted for something else that might be the Spirit working in them? For example, I have certainly seen people treated poorly for being unwilling to gossip, or for remaining faithful in a suffering marriage. Often people see this as being unassertive or a doormat (some of the biggest “sins” in this society). Am I understanding you right?

I’m a bit clumsy with my words at times.

I think Jesus is pretty much saying of you get insulted because of doing right, including the examples you gave, then you will receive the blessing. And doing right is what the “because of me” because if you’re in union with Christ, then you will be wanting to do what it right.

Does that help? If not maybe I forgot what I was getting at.

Alan

 

[littlenothing]

I wouldn’t call you clumsy with words, Alan! You’ve been pretty pithy and insightful. OK, maybe not pithy, but certainly scrutable. I had never thought of that Beatitude much, because it didn’t seem to be one that would apply much these days, at least in the US, where our lives aren’t threatened just by trying to go to Mass!

Instead, this Beatitude seems to be, rather than something hardly anyone will fall under, actually something that can reward and uphold us in our attempts to be Christlike. Now that was a clumsy sentance. Sorry. If, in trying to be generous or forgiving, you get taken advantage of or ridiculed, your Father who knows your heart will see you are trying to please Him and reward you for that.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I wouldn’t call you clumsy with words, Alan! You’ve been pretty pithy and insightful. OK, maybe not pithy, but certainly scrutable. I had never thought of that Beatitude much, because it didn’t seem to be one that would apply much these days, at least in the US, where our lives aren’t threatened just by trying to go to Mass!

Instead, this Beatitude seems to be, rather than something hardly anyone will fall under, actually something that can reward and uphold us in our attempts to be Christlike. Now that was a clumsy sentance. Sorry. If, in trying to be generous or forgiving, you get taken advantage of or ridiculed, your Father who knows your heart will see you are trying to please Him and reward you for that.

I agree with that. If it was a kind act, then you have used your will to perform an act of mercy.

I think it’s also important not to judge or get upset over those who do the ridiculing, because if they even bother you, then they have had their way and have hurt you. You just have to emotionally wave them off as nothing, or as a flea buzzing around. The Holy Spirit has a plan for them, because Jesus included everyone. And being upset at them takes away your reward.

That’s why I like the beatitudes … they are more like “thou shalts” rather than “thou shalt not.” It helps us understand what kinds of hearts we need for Jesus to be able to take us into His kingdom.

Alan

 

[DebChris]

I agree with that. If it was a kind act, then you have used your will to perform an act of mercy.

I think it’s also important not to judge or get upset over those who do the ridiculing, because if they even bother you, then they have had their way and have hurt you. You just have to emotionally wave them off as nothing, or as a flea buzzing around. The Holy Spirit has a plan for them, because Jesus included everyone. And being upset at them takes away your reward.

That’s why I like the beatitudes … they are more like “thou shalts” rather than “thou shalt not.” It helps us understand what kinds of hearts we need for Jesus to be able to take us into His kingdom.

Alan

As with the commandments, I always start with the first . Happy are the poor in spirit.It all begins with acknowledging our total dependence on God.