The beatitudes are Jesus’ teaching to on from His sermon on the mount. His teaching shows us the rewards of living a faithful Christian life.
“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.
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.
Matthew 5:3-12 NIV
The word beatitude means a state of living a blessed or happy life. These beatitudes, or blessings, were spoken by Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount. Each beatitude expresses the heart of the ideal believer and what they are promised in the Kingdom.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Poor in spirit speaks of a spiritual poverty, an emptiness that can only be filled with the Word of God. When they recognize that need, they will seek it and they will find their riches in the Kingdom of God.
“Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted.” The spirit of the Lord helps us to ease our suffering. The bible tells us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Mourning, in this context, may also refer to a deep sadness over sin. This discernment leads to repentance, which leads to forgiveness of sins.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” To be meek means to be humble and righteous, as well as patient while suffering. They are the ones who will inherit all things.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Hunger and thirst pertain to a deep desire to know Jesus Christ and no matter who you are, or what you may have done in life, you can come to Christ and he will fulfill that desire within you.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mercy is a kind of compassion that is shown through forgiveness. When shown to others, it will be shown to us.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The pure in heart are those who have been made clean and holy.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” When we have the Holy Spirit living within us, we try to bring peace to this sinful, chaotic world. He is the God of peace, so the peacemakers are His children.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those who stand up to any type of persecution, because of their love and loyalty for Christ, will receive riches in the Kingdom of heaven.
