The Beatitudes

From Matthew 5:3-10
I have decided to say "Be of these attitudes!"

Blessed are the poor in spirit.
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Being blessed means to be fully satisfied. One can only obtain full satisfaction from the Lord. When one comes to Christ and accepts Him as their Savior, that is when a true state of blessedness begins. These are the steps that are taken to achieve true blessedness.

1. Realizing that you are poor in spirit. That you cannot do anything to save yourself. You are spiritually helpless and need Christ. When you come to Christ and are saved, you become heirs with Him to all the Father has. And are given the kingdom of heaven.

2. Mourning for your sins. This is the first step to repentance and forgiveness. You shall be comforted by knowing that now you are forgiven.

3. Meekness. Seeing yourself for who you are. Seeing yourself as who the Lord says you are. This comes from submission to Him, and letting Him guide and direct you. You shall inherit the earth.

4. You will hunger and thirst for righteousness. Once you come to Christ you have a desire for Him, His Word, His presence, His ways to be yours. These will be filled by Him. His Word does not come back void.

5. Merciful. Once you accept His salvation, you will be filled with a kind and caring attitude. One who gives mercy shall receive mercy.

6. Your heart will become pure. As a Christian, you have been given a pure heart. you weed out things in your life that cause harm and are not of God. The purer we become, the more we see Him. We begin to see Him everywhere, and in everything.

7. You shall bring peace. When you are saved you are filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding. You begin to go into the world and others are affected by how you conduct yourself. The peace that God gives is contagious, others want it. They will begin to ask you about it, and when you tell them they too will be filled and be of these same attitudes.

8. You will be persecuted. Not everyone will agree with your attitude. They will want to squash your enthusiasm. They will try to hurt you. Yet we know that there will be trouble in this life. It is actually the height we strive for of blessedness.

We can be of these attitudes and experience the joy of being blessed while on this earth. yet we know that realization of true blessedness will only be enjoyed and revealed in heaven.