On this 1st Sunday of Lent, here are inspiring words to ponder from the great Scripture scholar, J.B. Phillips…
‘Exposition on the Beattitudes’
Most people think:
Happy are the pushers: for they get on in the world.
Happy are the hard-boiled: for they never let life hurt them.
Happy are they who complain: for they get their own way in the end.
Happy are the blasé: for they never worry over their sins.
Happy are the slave drivers: for they get results.
Happy are the knowledgeable men of the world: for they know their way around.
Happy are the trouble-makers: for people have to take notice of them.
But Jesus Christ said:
Happy are those who realize their spiritual poverty: they have already entered the kingdom of Reality.
Happy are they who bear their share of the world’s pain: in the long run they will know more happiness than those who avoid it.
Happy are those who accept life and their own limitations: they will find more in life than anybody.
Happy are those who are ready to make allowances and to forgive: they will know the love of God.
Happy are those who are real in their thoughts and feelings: in the end they will see the ultimate Reality, God.
Happy are those who help others to live together: they will be known to be doing God’s work.
grace, peace & Sunday Quotes
Virginia : )
Ginny,
I love Phillips’ colorful paraphrase of the very familiar Beatitudes–kinda helps you see them in a whole new way! As usual, your selective pictures inspire me beyond words. Luv, cin
Thanks Cin – I am a Big Groupie of J.B. Phillips & have used this quote for many years! Also really liked his book, “Your god is Too Small”.. GIN
Very solid meaningful ‘content for life’, Virginia. Thanks.
I have taken this with me many places & put it up on the wall as a reminder of what’s what (& what I should be about!) Blessings, Tim! 🙂