Beatitudes

Jesus begins the sermon on the mount in Matthew chapter 5 with a description of what a Christian looks like, what we should be.  It is interesting to view the various characteristics to know better how we should live. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  We see an attitude of life here....and the result of having this attitude.  We all want to be in the "kingdom of heaven."   But it appears that it isn't those who are riding high, living great and feeling self confident that will win in the end. 

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  We see the love of God in these words.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  Emphasis is on the meek...not the bold.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."  Many verses in the NT mention the importance of searching for God...like Hebrews 11:6. "He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."  We should live for this.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."  It isn't easy to be pure in heart, but that must be our goal. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."  Don't we all love a peacemaker...as opposed to a troublemaker?

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God."

We can see from this that the Christian life isn't always going to be easy.  But we want the rewards that come only to those who have these characteristics as our goals.  Let's do it!

Thanks for reading again.  See you next week.  Feel the love...