Matt. 5:7: Delight in graciously helping others knowing God will graciously help you. Carson, co-founder of Gospel Coalition, writes: “Mercy is a loving response prompted by the misery and helplessness of the one on which love is to be showered.” Mercy flows directly out of the previous four Beatitudes (we know ourselves to be poor …[ read more ]

Carol McClain Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matt. 5:6 In my twenties, every church ever created came knocking at my door. The ubiquitous Jehovah’s Witnesses told me their path was the only one that would let me find God. I think only if I knocked on doors …[ read more ]

By Carol McClain:    @carol_mcclain In 1937 King Edward VIII of England gave up his title and power and glory for love. He loved a sinner–a divorced American. Worse than being actually divorced, Wallis Simpson was still married but in the process of divorce. Wallis Simpson sympathized with the Nazis. Edward loved her, so he sacrificed everything for her. For an American, this …[ read more ]

Carol McClain Matt. 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The meek. We think of them as spineless milquetoasts. Unassertive and too timid to achieve anything. Although not mentioned as meek, consider Mary, especially in this Christmas season. As a teenage girl betrothed–essentially married in all but consummation–an angel appears to …[ read more ]

Carol McClain Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matt. 5: 5) At one time, I considered myself meek. I think I equated my yielding, ready-to-give-in nature as meek. As of late, I’ve seen all the places I’ve been arrogant: how I knew best how to write or edit or eat or exercise. (We …[ read more ]