Beautiful Beatitudes

Matthew 5:2-12: The Beatitudes

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"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 receive 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.
"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 before you."

After reading something like that, it's hard not to feel at least a little better.
It may be uplifting, encouraging, stress-relieving or worry-reducing. However it is, at least one line almost always has a positive effect on my attitude. I hope it has brightened your day too, as I'm assuming that you've read it, having come this far. In fact, if it hasn't had a positive influence on how you feel, stop, and read it over again until something helps you.
I'll tell you right now though, the one about a poor spirit is very comforting to me.

I've always wondered why these verses are called the Beatitudes. The technical meaning, apparently, is that a beatitude is something of supreme blessedness or happiness.
The blessedness you can see. Clearly those who partake of the aforesaid are blessed. The happiness, is not so forthcoming. After a little thought though, I guess the passage is also quite uplifting. Joyous even.
After all, ours is the kingdom of heaven, and we shall be comforted and inherit the earth. We will be satisfied, receive mercy and see God. And see God. How awesome is that!? And we will be his children, which implies that he will care for us as a parent should care for their own child.

I cannot help but to also think, that when we are pure of heart, merciful and meek, bringing the peace of God to others, that we are beautiful. And so much more so in God's eyes, which is what really counts. I think this, because of the times I have seen this acted out in others lives.

God bless.

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