The Beatitude

The word "beatitude" means "blessedness." The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people who possess these inward qualities.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Is Jesus speaking of our spiritual condition of poverty and the acknowledgment of our need for God?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Is Jesus referring to "those who mourn" as those who express deep sorrow over sin, or those who repent from their sins. The “comfort” refers to the forgiveness of sins and joy of eternal salvation?

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Is the meek those who submit to God's authority as Revelation 21:7 says God's children will "inherit all things."

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Is "hunger and thirst" speaking of a deep need and a driving passion to fill the soul's desire with compassion?

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Simply put, those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Is this mercy shown through forgiveness and also by offering kindness and compassion toward others?

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Is Jesus referring to the inward holiness that only God can see? The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no man will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ brings restored peace with God. Is God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others as in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20?

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Just as Jesus faced persecution, are those living openly for righteousness and their faith genuine followers of Christ, worthy to receive the kingdom of heaven?

Law & Justice

There is a very diverse difference between justice and law. I believe that they have a few similarities but a different part to play in the legal system. Justice is like the ultimate goal that civilization has been aiming towards since the beginning of societies. The law is the tool we use as our process to find justice. Through the evolution of the law, our perspectives have changed. But have we really gotten closer to that ultimate “justice”? Or is it something that will always be just a little bit beyond our reach?

Law is a code that legalizes the behaviour of members of a society. It affects almost everything we do such as buying a property, getting a job, making a will or getting divorced. It also shapes politics, economics and society. It protects people, property and enforces consequences for those who break the rules.

Justice, on the other hand is generally understood to mean what is right, fair, moral, deserved. In addition justice is when a victim feels whole again or when an offender is held responsible for his behaviour.

Law does not always deliver justice but justice can differ according to a person’s point of view. Therefore, there is no way that law could accommodate all the people. The main difference between law and justice is all in the process. Law is the process and justice is the goal; no one escapes the long arm of the law but that does not mean that justice is served. Hence, one cannot afford to compromise when there is no guarantee in the justice system.

Suicide

Suicide is the act of deliberately taking one's own life. People who attempt suicide are often trying to get away from a life situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who make a suicide attempt are seeking relief from loneliness, rejection, guilt and burden to others etc. Suicidal behaviors may be triggered by a situation or event that the person views as overwhelming such as aging, emotional trauma, substance dependency, serious clinical and mental illness.

Most people who seriously consider suicide do not really want to die, they are calling out for help to no avail. Hence, they see suicide as a solution to a problem and a way to end their pain. People who seriously consider suicide feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. A person who feels hopeless believes that no one can help with a particular event or problem. A person who feels helpless is immobilized and unable to take steps to solve problems. A person who feels worthless is overwhelmed with a sense of personal failure.

The urge to end one’s life comes to the godliest of us. Both Jeremiah and Job wished they had never been born (Jeremiah 20:14-18; Job 3:1-23). Jonah, Elijah, and Moses not only wished they were dead, they asked God – some even pleaded with him – to kill them (Jonah 4:3,8,9; 1 Kings 19:4; Numbers 11:14). So did Job (Job 6:8-9; 14:13). Jesus feels for everyone suffering this devastating oppression. The exalted Son of God knows and understands. Thus, the question is will God forgive someone for committing suicide? I believe so if He is truly a God of love, mercy and compassion.

Relatives of people who seriously attempt or complete suicide often blame themselves or become extremely angry, seeing the attempt or act as selfish. However, when people are suicidal, they often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world. These irrational beliefs often drive their behavior.