The Beatitudes

Photo courtesy of Will Humes on flickr

Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
~ Matthew 5:3-12

1. Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – we are to be humble, sincere and penitent (sorrowful on account of our sins)
2. Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. – we are to express sorrow and grief for our sins
3. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. – we are to be submissive to God’s will. We are to rely on God for all our needs and be thankful for His providence.
4. Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. – we are to want and desire righteousness (purity of heart) and holiness. We are to strive to follow God’s law
5. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. – We are to be merciful and compassionate.
6. Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. – we are to be without spot or blemish; incorrupt. We can only achieve this through Christ.
7. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. – out of our love for God we are to do good for all people. We are to show peace, be peaceable and make peace with all people.
8. Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. – we will be punished persecuted and harassed for our beliefs. People will speak falsely and negatively about us, all because of our belief in Christ. But we should rejoice in this persecution because we know that the Lord is alive and doing His works through us.

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