Do you understand the Beatitudes of the Bible? Matthew 5: 1 – 12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. The poor in spirit are those who are humbled, who knows they need God.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Those who mourn are not widows but rather people who have empathy for those who are suffering in this world – those who cry or mourn for those who are persecuted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. The meek are those who are humbled before God understanding we can do nothing of good and righteousness without Him, without His strength and His spirit. That with Christ I can do all things for His kingdom but without Him I can do nothing.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. God is not talking about those who are physically hungry and thirsty but rather those who hunger and thirst for justice and righteousness and want to help the world – God’s children – our brothers and sisters through Christ. We should hunger to be their voice, their justice and become God’s hands and feet. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. There is a part on the Lord’s Prayer that says “and forgive me as I forgive those who trespass against me.” As we extend mercy and forgiveness to others God to that same measure will extend his mercy and forgiveness unto us. We ask God to release us of our sins and release us from that judgement – yet we struggle to extend that same mercy onto those who sin against us and we hold them in judgement. The golden rule – treat others as we wish to be treated. We need to daily examine our mercy towards others.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. As we strive to live in obedience to God, our hearts will desire to be pure – clean – representing a Christ-like spirit. We will desire to turn from sin and we will desire things of purity. Will we someday be perfect – not on this world. But through the forgiveness and free gift of Jesus Christ, we will one day be free of sin, pure, in His perfect image.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. God calls us to be people who bring others together and make relationships whole. We are not to be a people of divisiveness. Our eyes are to see the world as God does – one people, our hearts are to love the world as God does – one people. We are to make peace with our enemy and love not because we are loved first, but love because that is what God calls us to do and because God loves.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. We should not fear persecution as we know this will happen. Love anyway. Our home…our life is not here – but in Heaven with God. Do not fear man for man is temporary. Live for God – not for man. Men do not understand the ways of God and they hurt things they do not understand. Stand strong anyway and be the light upon the hill for the Kingdom and trust that God will show the truth through you.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecute the prophets who were before you.

May God bless you today as you reflect on the beatitudes and reflect on your life. My prayer is that you daily give yourself to God allowing Him to shine through you, allowing his love to reach those in need, through your life, through your actions. Be His hands and feet with an attitude of love and thanksgiving.