The Beatitudes Explained

THE BEATITUDES EXPLAINED

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

People who are poor in spirit…

·        admit their strengths and weaknesses

·        don’t think they are better than others

·        don’t try for a false, macho image

·        don’t always have to have their own way

·        admit they need God and others to help them

·        are not too concerned about what they have or don’t have; are willing to share with others without making a big deal about it

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED.

People who mourn…

·        notice and understand when others are upset

·        offer support when others are sad or going through a rough time

·        show concern when they see suffering throughout the world

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.

People who are meek…

·        don’t try to get their way by using physical, verbal or emotional violence

·        don’t try to make others feel incompetitent, or push others around, even when they know they are right

·        won’t try to manipulate others

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEY SHALL BE SATISFIED.

People who hunger and thirst for righteousness…

·        stick up for those who are being treated unfairly

·        are willing to give people a second chance if they mess up

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY.

People who are merciful…

·        are willing to show mercy and forgiveness when someone does something wrong

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.

People who are pure in heart…

·        are committed to being a good friend always; they are not hot one day and cold the next

·        have the best of intentions in dealing with others

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD.

People who are peacemakers…

·        help patch things up between people

·        promote working together rather than breaking up relationships

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

People who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…

·        are not afraid to stick up for people and things they believe in, even if others make fun of them