What are the Beatitudes?

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."

• ​​"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?

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