(NIV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Just a thought...
The Beatitudes are what we must be like in order to follow Christ. They are signed in the blood of Jesus. They outline the way to the kingdom that Jesus said we should seek above all else (Matthew 6:33). It seems impossible to be like Jesus, to reflect His dependence, His compassion, His humility, His longing for the Father’s glory.
The Beatitudes are conditional promises of blessings. Allowing Jesus to work His character in us is the human condition. We are promised to be blessed if we strive to live out the Beatitudes. Pray for yourself, that you will enjoy the blessing of being the person God wants you to be, as God molds in you the character of His beloved Son. It's a changing of attitude. Your attitude must reflect the attitude that Christ lived for us to mirror!Prayer:
Dear Lord, Help me to have a pure heart that seeks an attitude like your Son's. Help me to see and experience You my God through prayer that will allow me to live out the Beatitudes! Amen