1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian 3 - Blessed are those who mourn | Page 12

seen to be taking that for granted. Sadly, today there is a version of grace that I
would consider to be “cheap grace” – it tells us that it’s ok to sin because God has
already forgiven us. It tells us that it’s ok to sin because Jesus has already paid
the price; this is a doctrine that has plagued the church for centuries. But when
one looks at the teachings of Jesus in our readings today we see how Jesus
Himself issues a caution to those whom He has just forgiven. Jesus concluded the
conversation, with both the woman caught in adultery and the paralyzed man at
the pool in Bethesda, with the remark “…now go and sin no more.”
In closing I refer you to the verse that has led to all of these devotions. I am
convinced that both the woman and the man in the stories above would have
taken seriously the words of Jesus to fight well the battle against sin. Mourning
over sin is a pre-requisite for a “blessed” Christian life. There is no substitute for
a clear conscience between you and God, a relationship of openness where sin is
confessed as soon as possible. Where hidden sin is, through the Holy Spirit’s
ministry, revealed to you and is subsequently confessed. Where guilt and shame
are rooted out and I am sure that as a result of all of these things that the
“blessedness” that the beatitude speaks about will evidence itself in emotional
wellness, physical health and spiritual strength. You may need to read this
week’s devotionals again to make sure that you have covered all of the bases. I
trust that you will find this “blessedness” as a result of taking seriously what it
means to m