Read Matthew 5:1-12

Read Matthew 5:1-12

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them, saying:

³     “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 sons 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.

Think

We read these at the beginning of the year; have you become more 'poor in spirit', 'humble', have you nurtured your thirst for righteousness since you last read this passage?

Pray

Lord - help me to thirst more for your righteousness and grace.