Selwyn continues to examine the second beatitude, in a general sense, regarding his specific interest in how to deal with our emotions. It is not surprising that we are reading this material at a time when many of us must be grieving over the situation in Israel and Lebanon, in addition to our own personal trials.

He introduces today’s study, as follows: ‘Over the past few days we have talked about the defence of denial – the blocking of negative emotions. But now we need to look at another way in which we can damage our spiritual potential. There are many who do not deny their emotions, but give expression to them in ways that are harmful to the personality.’

Selwyn uses some verses out of Galatians (5:22-23) to remind us that one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control. I think it’s worthwhile to reproduce some of the key verses from Paul’s letter to the Galatians 5:19-26; ‘The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkeness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.’

Half-way through today’s study, Selwyn says: ‘In the passage before us today we read that one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. Christians (those who belong to Christ Jesus), in whom the Spirit dwells have the capacity, should they avail themselves of it, to deal with unacceptable emotion without doing damage to their own spiritual life or, for that matter, someone else’s. … We must acknowledge it (negative emotion). However, it is important that we do not dump that emotion onto another person. Psychologists call this ‘stuffing and dumping’. You do not need to express an emotion to deal with it effectively, but you must acknowledge it. All we have to do is to yield to the Spirit. He will help us keep our emotions in check.’

The key point for me is that we need to avail ourselves to the ‘fruit’ of self-control – there is an implied action in Paul’s statement: ‘Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.’ It means that we can be out-of-step with Jesus’ Spirit. I agree with Selwyn that we first must recognise and knowledge any negative emotion – and one of the best ways for us to avail ourselves of the power of the Holy Spirit is to take the issue to God, in prayer – in spiritual humality (the first beatitude) and admit that we are not able to handle these emotions by our own strength and that we require God’s help. Do you agree?

When we pray for God’s help to control negative emotions - we should keep in mind the words of Jesus (Luke 11:10-13): ‘For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to those who knock, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, through you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Today, it is perhaps appropriate to jump forward a little to the seventh beatitude: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.’ (Matthew 5:9) – in looking at the verses set for today, I started reading most of Chapter 5 from Galatians; I was struck by verses 14 & 15, ‘The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.’  The peace (what there was of it) in Israel and Lebanon is being destroyed - in my mind, it is impossible for ‘man’ to bring peace to this region – it’s only possible with God.  It saddens me to think that until a peacemaker who is full of the Spirit of God is involved in resolving this conflict; that there is now – no real chance for lasting peace – and prayer is my only response. What do others think?

 

Selwyn continues to examine why it is important for us to truthfully face the reality of life. He says: ‘We continue exploring why, in order to experience  good emotional, mental and spiritual health, we must not be afraid to face the negative emotions that may, from time to time, arise within us. This is the first step in the process of mourning.’

He then recalls the story of a woman who was repressing her emotions. His conclusion was: ‘The problem wasn’t so much that she couldn’t admit to her emotions but that she did not want to do so. She was afraid to feel any negative emotions, such as grief, sorrow, sadness or regret, and her claim to always being happy was really a spurious one. It was a happiness achieved by means of denial, which is not the kind of happiness Christ wants us to have.’

As I mentioned yesterday – I think it’s fear of ‘fear’, failure and the unknown – that is the main cause of denial. It’s hard for people who have placed the expectation upon themselves that they must always be in-control of their environment; to admit that sometimes their striving for independence is the first barrier they need to overcome to seek help. It’s the image of the assertive, ‘I’m in control of my destiny’ person, which our current western culture portrays as a successful person which causes despair for all those who perceive that they don’t meet this (false) ideal image.

Take the words of Luke 12: 29-32, ‘And do not set your heart on what you eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.’ If we seek God’s help, and he is pleased to provide it, we can trust that his perfect help will be given – yet placing trust into another’s hands is often too hard for an independent spirit. Jesus will comfort those who mourn and he will be pleased to do it. 

The prayer for today is: ‘O Father, the way You put Your finger on the needs in my life is both awesome and inspiring. You long for me to be an honest person; I long for that too. Please help me, dear Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’

Given the amount of turmoil in the world are you sometimes fearful of the future – what are your thoughts about this issue?

Selwyn continues with his discussion on the need to face the reality of life – with all its ‘ups and downs’.  He says: ‘One good principle of emotional, mental and spiritual health is this: integrity requires that whatever is true must be faced. And here’s another: a balanced view of life is essential if we are to live effectively. If we believe that in order for us to experience a life that is good we must avoid negative feelings, eventually we will not be able to feel positive emotions either to their fullest extent.

… (Some people) have mastered the art of detachment and live on a monotonous flat plane. Little affects them emotionally. … (as expressed by the words of an old song): “It’s the heart that afraid of breaking that never learns to dance.”‘

I would like to express the words of the song in a different way – it’s fear that holds us back from living life to the full (as God intends us to do).

Returning to the second beatitude: ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.’ (Matthew 5:4); as was mentioned yesterday – those who grieve are doing so because they recognise the effect of sin in this world and the loss of God’s blessing. The only true source of confort is Jesus. Sin produces fear and hatred – just look at what’s happening in the world today: as I write, there are people staying in bunkers in northen Israel, afraid to carry out their normal routines of life; and likewise, in Lebanon, there are many people afraid of the bombing and shelling being undertaken in retaliation. There will be many deaths and casualties. People will be asking these questions – ‘how will it end?’, and ‘what next?’.

The words of 1 John 4:16-21, provide us with the comfort that we can look forward to: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.’

A person’s brother or sister includes those living on the other side of a border many kilometers away.

The full comfort of Jesus does not come until after we have arrived ‘home’ but there is the foretaste of His comfort that we can experience even when there are bombs exploding around us – do you agree? Psalm 23:4; ‘Even through I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me …’

Returning briefly to what Selwyn wrote, his prayer for today is a good way to end: “Father, help me I pray to be willing to face anything that comes – good, bad or indifferent, And teach me not to be afaid of experiencing the full gamut of emotions. With You in my heart I need fear nothing. Amen.”

 

Today, the second beatitude, ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)’ is being discussed.

Selwyn rightly points out that; ‘Most commentators say that what Jesus is pointing out here is the need to mourn over our sin (and the sin within the world), to face up to the pain it causes us, and then to find comfort in Christ.’

I think it’s a good idea to consider some of the aspects of morning. Mourning is an emotional response to the loss of someone or something.

In the Old Testament, the word ‘mourning’ is often used in association with death or ‘departure’ of a person(s) and then we start to see its use, in regard to Israel’s loss of blessing because of their sin. In Psalm 119:136, we read these words: ‘Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.’ In addition, there is Isaiah 61: 2-3, ‘to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for all those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.’ The release from sin will provide comfort to those who mourn because of sin. Do you agree with this view?

It should be noted that not all who mourn will be comforted – it’s only those to whom Jesus is talking – initially his disciples and then, to all those who follow Him. Recall the words of Abraham to the rich man who ignored Lazarus’ suffering, (Luke 16:25), “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” We also know that not all mourning is good; ‘Amnon mourned because he could not have Tamar, his sister.’

With his background in pastoral care and counselling, Selwyn looks at a secondary aspect – but, in my mind – it’s not the main thrust of what Jesus is talking about – what do you think? Here is what he says: ‘I am thinking of the need to face, feel and process the pain that arises within us when we meet with difficult and distressing circumstances. Mourning is the process of grieving, and grieving involves coming to terms with loss and all its attendant emotions. Our unwillingness to face the pain that comes from our losses and the hurts and injuries that occur in our lives and mourn because of them, is one of the major causes of psychological problems. Reality must be faced. … Being willing to accept that life is difficult will save us from unrealistic expectations which can trigger stress and even depression .. (however, we have) confidence that no matter what happens to us, God will turn it to good.’

In summary, I’ve no problems about the veracity of what Selwyn is saying except that the type of issue he covers is only part of what the second beatitude is addressing, which is; those who have a relationship with Jesus – mourn the effect of sin in their lives, and the world in general; and, they will receive comfort from Jesus regarding their salvation. In contrast, those who don’t have a relationship with God often make fun of sin – just look at most ‘comedy’ shows on TV to see what I mean – do you agree?

Selwyn, before he starts to look at the second beatitute, makes a number of critical points – and I’m a little perplexed as to why he has not drawn our attention to these issues earlier in this month.

He writes: ” … it is important to note two things: first, that there is a very definite order in these sayings of Christ, and second, that we must not see them as a code of ethics, but understand that these qualities are found in those who have a personal relationship with Christ.  … the Beatitudes are not a set of regulations that must be followed in order to become a Christian … the simple truth is that to produce these qualities in our lives through our own efforts … ‘ is not possible.

Selwyn continues with this conclusion: ‘Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it well when he said, “We are not told, live like this and you will become a Christian, but rather, become a Christian and you will live like this.” First, we must know the person – Jesus. Then, when we know Him deeply and intimately, we will find these qualities appearing in our lives as naturally and as easily as a flower opens up to the sun.’

His prayer for today, captures his thoughts, as follows: ‘Father, I am so thankful that the Christian life is not my responsibility, but my response to Your ability. Please live out Your life through me in my daily walk and my daily talk. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.’ What do you think Selwyn means by the first sentence of this prayer?

The Further Study area recommends reading 2 Peter 1:2-8; the core verses are worth considering: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the devine nature and escape the corruption in this world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For, if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. … For if you do these these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’

Again, God gives us the ability to increase our goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love -it’s important for us to seek, obtain and practice these qualities and if we do so – we will be effective and productive during our lives. Given what Selwyn has written about today – do you agree with my last statement?

 

Selwyn looks, for one more day, on the first beatitude and puts forward a paraphrase of the original text to highlight what he has written over the past few days: ‘Congratulations to those who are humble and willing to recognise that they do not have within them the resources to experience full happiness; they are candidates for the kingdom of God.’

He then makes an extreamly important point: ‘It is impossible for us to get into the kingdom by human effort. God has to bring us into His kingdom, and the only condition He places on us is that we recognise our need to reach out to Him because we can do nothing to save ourselves. Consider this: even God cannot help you if you do not ask for His help. You cannot be filled until you are empty.’

What do you think about this last statement? On one level I agree with it, on another level I think that it should be qualified; along these lines: Jesus loves us and His love knows no bounds; I feel that He will often manoeuvre us into a position where we will become aware that all the earthly things we depend upon are not enough; and, we are then faced with a clear decision to ask for help or sink with our pride and independent attitude.

The Scripture, which Selwyn sets for today, contain some of the ‘great’ verses of the New Testament, (Ephesians 2:1-10), for example: ‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you use to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (v1,2) … But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (v4,5) … in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (v7-10).’

Notice that the above is in perfect agreement with what James writes (James 2:14 & 17); ‘What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him? … faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.’ That is, true faith is outwardly demonstrated by undertaking the good works which God has prepared for us to do. James is saying that a person who claims to have faith but does not demonstrate this, in action, than that claim is wrong. It’s the order which is important – faith comes first – a gift from God – this ‘true’ faith enables a person to undertake God’s good works. Good works undertaken without faith, outside a relationship with Jesus, does not earn a place in God’s kingdom. Do you agree?

Today, Selwyn focuses on the story of the healing of a sick woman found in Luke 8:40-56; “As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. ’Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master the people are crowding and pressing against you.’ But Jesus Said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’”  (Note: In this culture, women who were bleeding were considered to be ‘unclean’, and so it was a brave effort on her part even to part of the crowd.)

Selwyn uses this story to illustrate that there must be ‘a willingness on our part to admit to our spiritual bankruptcy and cry out for help’.

Further on, he says: ‘There is a great difference between thronging Jesus and touching Him. Every week thousands go in and out of our churches, join in the activities, sing the hymns and choruses, listen to the sermon; they throng Jesus but never touch Him.’ He continues to say: if you have never touched Jesus, ‘reach out and touch Him now. Touch Him for forgiveness, for inner cleansing, for power over temptation, for victory over fears and everything that stands in the way of being blessed by God. Cease thronging Him and reach out and touch Him – today.’

The prayer for today, carries through with this theme: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, I reach out now to touch You with the hand of faith. My needs are great, but I know You are greater than them all. I receive You now. It’s done, dear Lord. Amen.’

The first step is often the hardest, consider how hard it was for this woman who had to avoid crowds for twelve years because under Jewish law she was considered ‘unclean’. Yet, she summonsed enough strength to come up behind Jesus and touch His clothes and because of her faith was immediately healed. Notice that God allowed her to be healed even though she did not approach him face-to-face and ask Him to be healed – such is the mercy and compassion of God – what are your thoughts about this story?