“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." Romans 4:7 NIV
Blessed indeed. I read an article that said we often use the word "blessed" out of context. In the Bible, blessed is used when talking about the poor, the downtrodden, the persecuted. So when we say we are blessed we may not be using the word as intended.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible uses the word "ashrey" or "happy" instead of blessed. I find this an interesting contrast as we also don't often associate happy with blessed. When we feel blessed, the definition of happy may not apply to what we are feeling. Content maybe, but not happy. Happy assumes exuberance and joy. Joy! Pure unadulterated joy.
Why shouldn't we feel joy? If we are truly forgiven and our sins hidden and forgotten by the blood of Jesus, rejoice! Feel joy! For we truly are blessed, filled with grace and light. These are the hallmarks of a true forgiven Christian.
So if we want to waste time figuring out which word should be used, fine. But let's be joyful and happy that we are forgiven!
No comments:
Post a Comment