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HELEN SANDERS
2-25-2024
BEATITUDES
What kind of attitude should a Christian have? We learn a lot from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5. Let us look at it and learn from what he taught his disciples.
5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This means one is totally dependent upon God. They have learned that they are bankrupt without Jesus. When a person comes to this and knows their source of strength, they will see the kingdom of heaven.
5:4 says, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” When we have godly sorrow over our sin and it brings us to repentance, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus are our comfort. The word comforted comes from the Greek word parakaleo, which means to be near, to console, to pray. We must remember that Jesus lives to intercede for us. He alone brings comfort when we are in a place of mourning over loss or over sin.
5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The word meek does not mean a weakling. It means to be humble. True humility admits when they are wrong and seeks the face of God continually. Their strength comes from the Lord and not from themselves. They seek to do God’s will and not their own.
5:6 says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” When one desires the food that comes from the Word of God more than natural food, God will fill them. When one is so thirsty for the true living water, God will pour it out and you will be filled. God blesses those that hunger and thirst after him.
5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” When others fail us or fail in their walk, the greatest gift we can give is mercy. We must not make things worse for them by reminding them of their sin. Mercy was given to us by God in bringing us salvation, and we should be merciful to others and to ourselves when they fail, and when we fail also.
5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” When you are pure in heart, you are washed in the blood of Jesus. Your mind and heart are renewed through the Word of God. You continually see yourself through the finished work of Christ, and make the choice of doing what is right, no matter what the cost may be. You may lose friends or family over your choice, but you will see God.
5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” This attitude changes lives. A person that is a peacemaker intercedes on behalf of those that are not walking right with God. They help that person get back on track. This word peacemaker is only used once in scripture, but it has a profound effect in one’s life as they walk wearing the shoes of peace.
5:10 says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” When we make a stand for God we are often persecuted. One may be shunned by those around them, and even by those in their church. They may be called a “goody goody,” but they will be great in God’s kingdom.
5:11 says, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Notice that when you are persecuted for Jesus’ sake we are to rejoice. We are not to react with unkind words or even retaliate. When our flesh is dead to this persecution and those that will persecute us, we will be rewarded in heaven.
I like to think of the beatitudes as “beautiful attitudes.” These character traits should be what every Christian should strive for. I can attest that it will not happen overnight. I can also attest that the trials to walk this walk will be fiery and difficult, but it will be worth all that we go through to please the Lord.
GOD BLESS YOU
RUSSELL AND HELEN SANDERS
SPIRIT OF LIFE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
www.spiritoflifeintl.org
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