The Beatitudes Defined

The Beatitudes Defined

     The Beatitudes in the bible can be found in the book of Matthew 5:3-12.  Jesus is addressing the disciples in his sermon on the mount.  Jesus was speaking primarily to his disciples after hearing the multitudes of people.  Christ begins to teach them, by saying these words.

     (V.3) “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Being poor in Spirit, is the same as a person that feels inadequate.  Jesus is talking to those that are weak in spirit, those who have not yet grown spiritually; he’s not talking about the poor as far as money is concerned, but those who have not grown in the Spirit.  (V.4) “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  This particular beatitude is in result of the first beatitude, being poor in Spirit.  Mourn here means to be in grief, mourning over sin and failure of not growing in Christ.  Christ is saying blessed are you who are in mourning now, because in the end you will greatly rejoice, you will be comforted.  (V.5) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”  Being meek is the same as having humility, yes you are to be meek, but don’t confuse it with being weak.  Being meek, doesn’t mean that you have to be a push over, or one that take anything off of people.  Be humble but firm.  (V.6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness sake, for they shall be filled.”  The blessing promised here is not a literal hunger and thirst for food and water, but it is a Spiritual hunger and thirst for wanting more of God.  (V.7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”  You show mercy to a person that doesn’t deserve it, and you then extend it.  As a child of God you don’t want to be without compassion for your brothers and sisters.  When you are merciful to someone else, then you will be shown mercy.  (V.8) “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”  Being pure in heart, is when you are genuinely pure on the inside, you are sincere in your walk with Christ and there is no hypocrisy involved.  (V.9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”  This is when you can step into the midst of confusion and restore peace in the situation, but I must caution you to be wise when being a peacemaker, make sure that the Holy Spirit is leading you in any situation.  (V.10) “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  You are blessed when people insult you, criticize, and ridicule you, remember you are enduring all of this for the sake of Christ, and in the end, the kingdom of heaven will be yours.  (V.11) “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.”  You take it when people abuse you, and accuse you, let them tell lies on you, because the blessing is in the divine rewards that Christ has laid up for you in the end. (V.12) “rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”  This last Beatitude brings great rewards for believers, because it goes hand in hand with verses, 10, and 11.  After you have endured all the lies and persecution, Christ tells you to rejoice when people falsely accuse you, and do other things to you, because your reward in heaven will be great.

     These Beatitudes will bless you on your journey with Christ Jesus.  Suffering will come to you as a believer, even if you have to suffer for what is right, you are still blessed, because weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.  Be blessed.