The Beatitudes are Gifts of the Spirit

The Beatitudes
"1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed 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. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you"(Matthew 5:1-12).

The Sermon on the Mount is the "charter" to ethical living for all Christians. It is not just a list of different groups, it is a ladder which will bring one on the path to following Jesus. It is a process that we will go through on our way to the "Kingdom of God". Each step is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The following is one interpretation of this ladder:

Blessed are those who have emptied themselves and realize that they are nothing without God.
Blessed are those who are sorry for all the sins they have committed against God and neighbor.
Blessed are those who are open to the movement of the Spirit within their lives.
Blessed are those who seek justice for all those who are forgotten by society.
Blessed are those who practice love, compassion, faithfulness, and forgiveness to all.
Blessed are those whose intention is pure and are not seekers of fame.
Blessed are those who externally express peace both verbally and non-verbally.
Blessed are those who know that they are on a road that will take them to their own cross.

Blessed are those who will suffer and are ridiculed because of their love and faith in Jesus.

For them, the "Kingdom of Heaven" is at hand.

Peace and Love,

Sue


"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)