Matthew 5:1-9 – Now when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

If the Devil were to write his Beatitudes, they would probably go something like this:

Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in church — they are my best workers.

Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them.

Blessed are the touchy; with a bit of luck they may stop going to church — they are my missionaries.

Blessed are those who are very religious but get on everyone's nerves — they are mine forever.

Blessed are the troublemakers — they shall be called my children.

Blessed are those who have no time to pray — they are easy prey for me.

Blessed are the gossips, for they are my secret agents.

Blessed are those critical of church leadership, for they shall inherit a place with me in my fate.

Blessed are the complainers — I'm all ears for them.

Blessed are you when you read this and think it is about other people and not yourself — I've got you.

Author unknown

Prayer: Lord, never let us unwittingly become one of the Devil's emissaries, by forsaking the love Christ bade us have for one another. In His name we pray. Amen.

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