Beatitudes
Positive Christianity involves more then obedience to laws. Those who follow Christ and live by his Spirit know that their salvation rests on struggle and pain. The Beatitudes are a summary of the difficulties to be overcome by faithful Christians and the rewards that will be theirs if they are loyal followers of Christ.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit; the reign of God is theirs.
- Blessed are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled.
- Blessed are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.
- Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.
- Blessed are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
- Blessed are the single – hearted; they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God.
- Blessed are those persecuted for holiness’ sake;
The region of God is theirs (Mt 5:3-10).
Here is a shorter version of the Beatitudes:
- Happy are those who need God.
- Happy are those with self control.
- Happy are those who are sorry for sin.
- Happy are those who hunger and thirst for holiness.
- Happy are the merciful.
- Happy are those who love with all their heart.
- Happy are the peacemakers.
- Happy are those who suffer for doing what is right.