Understanding the Heart of God

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:3-6

These two passages present a much different vision of the Kingdom than we tend to have. As we seek to understand God’s heart, they reveal a profound truth about God’s presence among us. Notice how the blessings are directed toward those society often overlooks and avoids. The blessings are actually with those we consider “not” blessed. The poor, the mourning, the meek, the hungry and thirsty, the brokenhearted… these are the very people with whom God’s love and grace flow most freely!

As we seek to serve “those in need” through Kitchen One for One, we have a unique opportunity to align our efforts with where God is already present, at work, and pouring out blessings. By joining God where He is, we’re participating in the transformative love of Christ. We bring comfort to the mourning, offer mercy to those who need it, provide nourishment for the hungry, etc.

And the beautiful reality is that we, too, are the people described in the Beatitudes. At different times in our lives, we experience poverty of spirit, mourning, and a deep hunger for righteousness. We need the mercy that only Christ can offer. By recognizing our own need for Jesus, we are reminded that serving others is a mutual journey of grace. In extending God’s love to others, we receive it ourselves.

So, let’s draw nearer to the heart of God by loving and serving those He calls blessed. As we do, we’ll find ourselves blessed, as well… participating in the kingdom of heaven here on earth.