We should distinguish blessings from happiness. The word translated "Blessed" can also be translated "happy" for sure. But I think there is wisdom in retaining the word "blessed" instead. Consider this, not all happiness is a result of God's blessings. Many people are "happy" in sin, and because of that they are far removed from His blessings. God’s blessings are bestowed upon us according to His goodness and mercy, and these can be detached from happenings or events or circumstances, whereas happiness always relates to happenings. It is wonderful to be blessed of God. And everyone who is blessed of God is truly happy in the proper sense of the word. We desire His blessings even when it goes against our own fleshly happiness.
Monday, December 12, 2011
An introduction to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-2 (part 2)
We should distinguish blessings from happiness. The word translated "Blessed" can also be translated "happy" for sure. But I think there is wisdom in retaining the word "blessed" instead. Consider this, not all happiness is a result of God's blessings. Many people are "happy" in sin, and because of that they are far removed from His blessings. God’s blessings are bestowed upon us according to His goodness and mercy, and these can be detached from happenings or events or circumstances, whereas happiness always relates to happenings. It is wonderful to be blessed of God. And everyone who is blessed of God is truly happy in the proper sense of the word. We desire His blessings even when it goes against our own fleshly happiness.
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