What is a Makarios?

Perhaps you have noticed that my articles are signed with the name Makarios and wondered what that word means. Makarios is the Greek word translated as "blessed" at the beginning of each of the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. Some modern versions translate it simply as "happy".

Actually, makarios means "an inner peace and satisfaction that cannot be disturbed by outside circumstances". If only everyone could experience "makarios" we really would be blessed. I'm sure that if we could manufacture makarios as pills in a bottle there would be a huge market for it. People buy all kinds of powders, pills, and potions that promise release from stress and insomnia.

There is good news. "Makarios" is available as a gift of grace. In the very first of the beatitudes Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...". When we come to the place in our spirit where we realize that we have need of God's grace, then he gives it to us and the result is makarios. Suddenly, the things that seemed so important and brought pressure and stress into life are no longer robbing us of joy and peace in life.

Makarios doesn't mean that there will no longer be any troubles or difficulties. We are simply able to rise above them because of enabling grace. In turn we are able to be more gracious with others. If you need grace in your life it is available in a relationship with God. Ask for it and then begin sharing it. Send grace into the lives of others.

One way to demonstrate the makarios you have to others is by communicating your peace and happiness through a greeting card. You can do that with the click of a mouse using SendOutCards. You select a card from 1000's online, personalize the card and click send. SendOutCards prints your personalized card, stuffs it, stamps it and mails is via USPS to your recipient. For more information about how to get involved in sending grace either visit Sending Grace or contact me at drmerillat@merillat.us .