The beatitudes come from the opening verses of the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus and recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Here Jesus states several blessings, each beginning with the phrase, "Blessed are ..." Each saying speaks of a blessing or "divine favor" bestowed upon a person resulting from the possession of a certain character quality
The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being. The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day..
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 stupid, 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
Who are ready to die for Jesus
