What are the beatitudes?
This portrait of the Christian is the beginning of the most famous sermon ever taught, “The Sermon on the Mount.” This radical teaching was directed to every believer. Whether you are poor or rich, pure or persecuted, joyful or in mourning, these teachings speak to you.
Not only was this teaching radical because of the inclusiveness of every believer, but it was also radical because it spoke the exact opposite of what the world says. Jesus said, “Blessed are...”—Happy, joyful, supremely blessed are those who live in this way:
- “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 after 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 sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”
When we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in our lives, The Beatitudes move from being our teachings from God, to being our testimony to God.
Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “The Beatitudes are attitudes that ought to be.”
