Read Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus saw
the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered round
him, 2and he began to teach them:
3 “Happy are those
who know they are spiritually poor;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
4 Happy are those
who mourn;
God will comfort them!
5 Happy are those
who are humble;
they will receive what God has promised!
6 Happy are those
whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully!
7 Happy are those
who are merciful to others;
God will be merciful to them!
8 Happy are the pure
in heart;
they will see God!
9 Happy are those
who work for peace;
God will call them his children!
10 Happy
are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
11 “Happy
are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil
lies against you because you are my followers. 12Be happy and glad, for
a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived
before you were persecuted.
Think
The beatitudes really are beautiful sayings; but
they are difficult values to live by.
Verses 11 & 12 suggest that taking Jesus beatitudes seriously might
result in persecution and struggle.
Pray
Read through the beatitudes prayerfully and ask God
to give you the strength to live into them.
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