Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Today's reading titled Authentic Christianity was written by David Roper.

I applied for a position in a Christian organization years ago and was presented with a list of legalistic rules,

having to do with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and certain forms of entertainment. We expect

Christian behavior from our employees was the explanation. I could agree with this list, because

I, for reasons mostly unrelated to my faith, didn't do those things. But my

argumentative side thought, why don't they have a list about not being arrogant, insensitive,

harsh, spiritually indifferent, and critical? None of these were addressed. Following Jesus can't

be defined by a list of rules. It's a subtle

quality of life that's difficult to quantify, but can best be described as beautiful. The beatitudes

in Matthew chapter 5 verses 3 through 10 sum up that beauty. Those who are indwelt by and dependent

on the spirit of Jesus are humble and

self-effacing. They're deeply touched by the suffering of others. They're gentle and kind. They long

for goodness in themselves and in others. They're merciful to those who struggle and fail. They're

single-minded in their love for Jesus. They're

peaceful and leave behind a legacy of peace. They're kind to those who misuse them,

returning good for evil, and they're blessed, a word that means happy in the deepest sense.

This kind of life attracts the attention of others and belongs to those who come to Jesus

and ask him for it.

Today's Our Daily Bread Devotional Scripture reading is from Matthew chapter 5 verses 3 through 10.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

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