InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Christianity
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
    • She Loves Truth
    • Hey Mama! PRAY
    • Seeking Him
    • Aging With Grace
    • Choosing Gratitude
  • Library
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • The ABCS Bible Study
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • Praying Proverbs
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
    • LOVE Coupons
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
TDGC shop now banner

What are the Beatitudes?

1/17/2023

0 Comments

 
The #Beatitudes are a set of #teachings by #Jesus #Christ in the #Sermon on the Mount, found in the #Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7. These eight #blessings, also called
The Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7.

These eight blessings, also called "beatitudes," describe the characteristics and behaviors of individuals who are blessed by God, as well as the rewards that they will receive in Heaven.

Here are the eight Beatitudes:
  • "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
  • "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
  • "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
  • "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
TDGC logo
Sermon on the Mount Bible study 1
Sermon on the Mount Bible study 2
Sermon on the Mount Bible study 3
  • ​​"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 sons of God."
  • "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

​Let's look at these eight Beatitudes in a little more detail.

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?” ​

“Poor in spirit” is an odd phrase to our modern ears, unfortunately. However, when it comes to our faith, “poor in spirit” means that we are people who recognize their own spiritual poverty and their great need for God. If that’s you today, friend, if you recognize your spiritual poverty without God and acknowledged your need for God, then you are “poor in spirit” and yours is the Kingdom of Heaven!!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:3

What does Scripture mean when it says, “blessed are those who mourn?” 

We often quote this verse in relation to earthly mourning—like that of the death of a loved one—and it certainly can be interpreted that way.

However, in the day when it was written, “blessed are those who mourn” is believed to mean people who repent and mourn for their sins.

I don’t think I’ve ever thought of this verse in that light. But certainly we should repent and mourn over our sins, and just as certainly, we will be comforted! 
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

The world likes to associate meekness with weakness. ​

But I don’t believe that’s the case.

“Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash.” —Bednar

Let’s be active for the Kingdom of God today, friend. Let’s be courageous yet restrained, modest and gracious. Let’s practice meekness. ​
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5

How do we “hunger and thirst for righteousness?”

To hunger and thirst for righteousness depicts a soul that is desperately longing for the previous Beatitudes—the poor in spirit, those who mourn over sin, the meek.

If we truly hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be driven by a desire to intentionally live out a godly life. And when we live a life pleasing to God, we will be satisfied! ​
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matt. 5:6

Mercy is so powerful!! ​

Mercy is showing compassion or forgiveness to someone when it is within our power to punish or harm them.

We have the power to inflict punishment, but because of mercy, we show compassion and forgiveness to someone who has offended or wronged us—just as when we sin and God shows incredible mercy to us.

Want to receive mercy? Be a mercy giver!!
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Matthew 5:7

What about “Blessed are the pure in heart?”

“Blessed are the pure in heart” refers to an internal purity, showing God’s concern with the condition of our hearts.

Jesus doesn't waste time speaking to our external lives because He knows that our hearts must be changed first.

Being pure in heart involves a singleness of heart towards God.

A pure heart has no room for hypocrisy or hidden motives. It is marked by transparency and an uncompromising desire to please God in all that we do.

Being pure in heart is more than just and external purity of behavior—it is an internal purity of our souls.
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

Who are my "Peacemakers" out there?

Peacemakers in the Bible would step between two warring parties. The peacemaker initiates reconciliation when others have wronged them.

Jesus became our Peacemaker at Calvary, bridging the gap between us and the Father, reconciling us with Him, covering our sin, redeeming us, loving us unconditionally, and making us whole!! 

Also, a peacemaker is quick to repent when they have wronged others. We should be peacemakers in this way as well.

In a world where we have been conditioned to avoid conflict, peacemaking takes a commitment to move toward it.

Let’s be peacemakers today!
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

What about those persecuted for righteousness' sake?

​Those who are persecuted for doing what is right and just, will be rewarded in Heaven. Jesus is saying that even in the face of persecution, those who strive to be righteous will ultimately be rewarded by God.

The word "blessed" was a familiar term to Jesus’ first-century audience.

Rather than a fleeting happiness, dependent on current circumstances, the blessedness that Jesus spoke of is a deep, abiding, unshakable joy rooted in the assurance of God’s blessing, both in the present and in the future.

Knowing you have eternal life waiting for you with God in Heaven produces this deep, abiding, unshakable joy that no person or circumstances can take away!! ​
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
Which of these eight Beatitudes are you leaning on today?

IE Link-up logo
Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week! 

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups to participate in!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Please Share
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, lock screens, and more? You’re going to love this library, there is all kinds of exclusive content, just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that!
    Patsy signature

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required

    Top Posts

    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    6 Things We Can Learn From Habakkuk 
    18 Characteristics of True Christianity
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption
    12 Letters I Wrote to a Friend With Cancer
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    Messy Marriage
    Money Wise Steward
    Wield The Word
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Our Words Matter
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Bible

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program 
designed to provide a means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Faithbox, Minted.com,
​
Canvas Vows, Digital Grab Bag, Grove Collaborative, Faithful Life Planner, and Tailwind.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2022|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Christianity
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
    • She Loves Truth
    • Hey Mama! PRAY
    • Seeking Him
    • Aging With Grace
    • Choosing Gratitude
  • Library
    • 16 Names of God
    • Bible Reading Plan
    • The ABCs Study Guide
    • The ABCS Bible Study
    • Disciple Me Program
    • Come and Gather
    • She Loves Truth Guide
    • She Loves Truth Study
    • The Red Sea Rules
    • Praying Proverbs
    • 12 Letters I Wrote
    • Christmas Songbook
    • LOVE Coupons
  • The Heart That Heals
    • Read Chapter 1 of The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
    • The Heart That Heals printable package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God