One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for their will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you an lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (vv. 1-12, NLT)
(Insight: I facilitated a course in the Beatitudes for my small group. The video was on the Beatitudes by Matthew Chandler. In the past, I thought the Beatitudes were speaking of separate groups of people. I was wrong. The Beatitudes are a set of characteristics of each believer in Christ. This makes the Beatitudes much more personal and willingness to strive to have these qualities in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.)