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We hurt and are hurt deepest by people we love most. They are the ones we are expected to know  best but do we and do we treat them right in the sight of the Lord?

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble. Psalm 41: 1

Sometimes you wonder why you are not happy even with all your achievements and assets. Could it be because you have been hard-hearted and not taken care of the weak and poor among your families and friends? The Lord promises blessings to those who will share the blessings of strength and wealth in the face  of evil and trouble. Be compassionate. The Lord wants us to follow Him in compassion for our families and friends.

1 John 3:21-23

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.

Have you sometimes wondered why your prayers have not been answered? Could it be a block because of disobedience to the commandments of the Lord? Have you failed to love those in your family and friends? Could it be you are blaming  the other party for causing your short-temper, your vitriolic tongue, i.e coarse,bitter, caustic, critical, bitterly scathing, sarcastic, in your very close relationship frustrations? The Lord looks at your heart and knows what you go through and He still requires you to love with His help. You cannot do it alone.

Matthew 5:2-12

And opening His mouth 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 shall be comforted. “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. “Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

There are many robbers of the peace which passes all understanding, that peace which comes only from the Lord. When we do not empathise with the poor, those mourning, those bullied, the hungry, the thirsty, those suffering from hardships from the merciless, the persecuted and cursed by peers, we deny ourselves of the blessedness of sharing in kind and feelings. Or should it be spiritualized when we suffer these symptoms because we disobey the Lord and do not follow Him closely?

We can be blessed if we do our part.

James 1:12

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him

Do we persevere under trial, in hardship, or are we ever so willing to jump ship, to be blown according to community bias, and controversial winds of doctrines which drive us away rather than to the Lord? Do we give up on others, when we should be standing by their side in support,when it counts most, in their moments of truth. Do we render  our valuable support in the face of the devil’s attacks in the family, among friends or even in church?

Psalm 3:8

Salvation belongs to the LORD; Thy blessing be upon Thy people! Selah

Notice salvation belongs to the Lord, not you.

It is God who blesses with a way out, not you.

Why are we afraid to bless our families and friends?

Do petty jealousies, childhood rivalries, childish emotions cause us to miss out on the blessings of God, promised if we obey His commandments? Or is it selfishness which robs us of God’s best? We would rather mind our own business so that we are not involved in something that means trouble for family or friend? Do we really love them when we disassociate ourselves from them at their lowest, when they are knocked down by community?

Jesus said we should love others as we love ourselves.

How are we doing in loving our families and friends?

Blessed for sharing? Are you?

A last word to those who are hurting, needing a friend and looking for love. Do not reject or pretend that you do not need help. You love when you receive from those who proffer you help in love and in obedience to the Word. Receive the blessings God has for you through your family and friends. Do not be too proud to love them in humbling yourself and acknowledging their help. Be grateful to God that He provides through brothers and sisters. We must love those who want to help us and give them the blessings of giving. In doing so we shall be blessed in receiving.

Beloved, let us love one another.