Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, the concept of "The Blessed" often refers to those who receive divine favor and grace. Within this framework, those who favor the saints—individuals recognized for their holiness and dedication to God—are often seen as recipients of special blessings. This entry explores the biblical basis and theological implications of favoring the saints.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting those who are devoted to God. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel are encouraged to respect and support the prophets and priests, who serve as intermediaries between God and His people. In the New Testament, this principle extends to the apostles, disciples, and all who live a life of faith and service. One of the key passages that highlight the blessings associated with favoring the saints is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, in His teaching about the final judgment, states: "Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’" (Matthew 25:34-36). This passage underscores the idea that acts of kindness and support towards the "least of these" are seen as acts towards Christ Himself, who is the ultimate Holy One. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, favoring the saints is seen as an expression of love and obedience to God. The saints, as exemplars of Christian virtue, serve as models for living a life that is pleasing to God. By supporting and honoring them, believers align themselves with God's purposes and demonstrate their commitment to His kingdom. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often commends those who support the work of the ministry and the needs of the saints. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes: "Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only" (Philippians 4:14-15). Here, Paul acknowledges the blessings that come from supporting those who labor for the gospel. Practical Application In practical terms, favoring the saints can take many forms, including prayer, financial support, hospitality, and encouragement. The early church provides a model for this, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, where believers shared their possessions and provided for the needs of the apostles and each other (Acts 2:44-45). Furthermore, the Epistle to the Hebrews exhorts believers to "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7). This call to remember and imitate the faith of the saints highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing their contributions to the faith community. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "The Blessed" to describe those who favor the saints, the principles of honoring and supporting God's servants are deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative. Through acts of kindness, support, and reverence for those who exemplify a life of faith, believers participate in the blessings promised by God to those who align themselves with His will and purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 12:3And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ruth 2:10 Library All Saints' Day The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed Epistle xxx. To Constantina Augusta. Blessed are they that Mourn "Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. " Blessed Trust Verse the Twenty-Fourth Holy Song from Happy Saints Treats of the Insecurity of Life in this Exile, However High we ... The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles. Resources What does “blessed are the merciful” mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? | GotQuestions.org Blessed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Blessed: Saints at the Judgment Day The Blessed: The Children of the Just The Blessed: The Generation of the Upright The Blessed: The Poor in Spirit The Blessed: The Pure in Heart The Blessed: To Whom God Imputes Righteousness Without Works The Blessed: Who are not offended at Christ The Blessed: Who Avoid the Wicked The Blessed: Who Delight in the Commandments of God The Blessed: Who Die in the Lord The Blessed: Who Endure Temptation The Blessed: Who Favour Saints The Blessed: Who Frequent the House of God The Blessed: Who Have Part in the First Resurrection The Blessed: Who Have the Lord for Their God The Blessed: Who Hear and Keep the Word of God The Blessed: Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness The Blessed: Who Keep the Commandments of God The Blessed: Who Know the Gospel The Blessed: Who Rebuke Sinners The Blessed: Who Shall Eat Bread in the Kingdom of God The Blessed: Who Suffer for Christ The Blessed: Who Wait for the Lord The Blessed: Who Watch Against Sin The Blessed: Who Watch for the Lord The Blessed: Whom God Chastens The Blessed: Whose Sins are Forgiven The Blessed: Whose Strength is in the Lord Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |