Blessings... and woes.
Do you feel fortunate? Blessed, even? What if Jesus himself said, "Woe to you!" - would you be a bit concerned?

The following passage is part of a sermon given by Jesus in the book of Luke. Notice that it's addressed to his own disciples, not merely to the crowds. Is he saying something to you today?

quote:

Luke 6:20-26 (NIV)

Looking at his disciples, he said:

"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

"Rejoice in that day and leap for you, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets."

Which of the blessings in this passage apply to you? Which of the woes apply to you?

Is there anything about this passage that troubles you? If so, what is it? Spend some time in prayer on this today.

These words are so powerful. Many times by judging others I placed myself in Gods' judgement. By His grace He has brought me into a relationship of truly loving Him, I am learning to love others including myself. Not to please myself but out of gratitude for His amazing love.
While visiting the Rainbow Church I saw His love reflected in action to those who were hungery, alone, and abandoned. These people out of love and gratefulness to God are part of His body working on earth today. May of us don't live in areas where people are as despirate looking yet all around us are people that need His love shown to them. Whatever act of kindness I show will not be wasted. We may never know if a small act of kindness may actually save a life. Christmas time is often the hardest time of year for many people. So as we go about our business may we remember that we are also to be about our Father's business too. And He always loves unconditionally.

I love that passage! I'd say that both blessings and woes apply to most of us. If one focuses only on the blessings, we might become too proud, seeing ourselves as the ones Jesus was referring to. But 'woes' are just as equally applicable.

It's a very good system of checks and balances in the life of faith.