01/11/2026
Thought for the Week – Blessed Are Those Who…
What does it mean to be truly blessed?
We often associate being blessed with having good health, a happy family, financial security or things going well in life. But Jesus offers us a rather different understanding.
In Matthew 5:1–12, Jesus shares what we know as the Beatitudes. He tells us that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and those who show mercy are blessed.
These are surprising words. Jesus isn't saying that suffering, sadness or hardship are good things in themselves. Rather, he is reminding us that God's love is especially close to those who struggle, those who feel overlooked and those who seek to make the world a better place.
In Revelation 7:9–17, we are given a wonderful vision of a great crowd of people from every nation, language and background, standing together before God. Their differences have not disappeared, but they are united in worship. God promises to wipe away every tear from their eyes. What a beautiful picture of a world where everyone belongs and nobody is forgotten.
Psalm 34:1–10, 22 encourages us to turn to God in every circumstance. The psalmist reminds us that God hears those who cry out and is close to the broken-hearted. We are invited to discover that God's goodness is something we can experience and share.
And in 1 John 3:1–3, we are reminded of something fundamental: we are God's children, loved not because of what we achieve or possess, but simply because of who we are.
Perhaps this is the heart of this week's message. God's idea of blessing is not about wealth, status or success. It is about belonging, compassion, justice, mercy and love.
“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.”
1 John 3:1