There are euphemisms used in the teachings of Jesus that instruct us today on the blessings we have been given when we were joined in nature to Christ by the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 7 Jesus says these blessings are holy, i.e. of the divine nature and calls them “pearls.” These pearls are virtues of Christ and testify to His holiness. Four of these “pearls” follow:

LOYALTY: N. Constancy, fidelity, faith, troth

The loyalty of Christ to the Father is a manifestation of the truest quality of loyalty known to human kind. “Obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8); “I only do those things I see the Father do” (John 8:29); “My will is to do the will of Him Who sent me” (John 6:38). These are the evidence of the loyalty, constancy, fidelity, faithfulness and troth Jesus had for the Father.

We have seen loyalty on display in others: Jonathan was a loyal and faithful friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1,3-4; 19:2). Timothy was loyal in service to Saint Paul (1 Timothy 1:2,18; 2 Timothy 1;2). We have also seen disloyalty in Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Master; in the Apostle Peter who denied knowing Jesus at His trial, and Demos, who ministered with Paul on many of his travels, but forsook him in the end, at the time of his death, “having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10).

Loyalty is a pearl of great value. It is a holy virtue we would do well to contemplate on continually. Be loyal to the LORD, your friends, your fellow believers, your countrymen.

PATIENCE: N. Forbearance, long-suffering, tolerance, self-restraint

“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect, and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). Patience is a pearl that brings great glory to Christ as He is revealed in us in the truest nature of this divine virtue.

“You have heard of the patience of Job. . .” (James 5:11a). The LORD is “long-suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9b). “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience. . .” (Galatians 5:22a). Yes, patience, that beautiful pearl that keeps us calm in the midst of the storm, in the midst of frustration, when in the maddening crowd; that helps us “keep our wits about us, when all others are loosing theirs”*

WISDOM: N. Profundity, acumen, common sense, sapience, sagacity

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). The “wisdom of Solomon” is world renown, but a “greater than Solomon is here” (see Matthew 12:42). Yes, this pearl in all its glory can only be given to us as we abide in Christ Jesus. This gift of God imparted to the lowliest saint is greater than that of Solomon himself. “But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

TRUST: N. Faith, Confidence, Belief

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). What a pearl this verse is to many a believer. So familiar, yet, so profound. “Trust in the LORD.” Believe in Him, be confident in Him; have faith in Him. Commit everything to Jesus. Lay everything on Him. Trust Him with all your heart, soul, body, mind and spirit. In everything let the holy pearl of Trust be your pillow on which you rest your head at night; and let it be your confidence upon your rising to face another day.

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*Rudyard Kipling quotes ( English short-story writer, poet, and novelist. Nobel Prize (1907), 1865 – 1936).