beatitudes

Let's ask our gracious God for clarity in expressing our views in a way that reflects his love. He’ll either direct our words in answer to that prayer or direct us to let it go.

Children often reflect the mannerisms of their parents, even if they don’t physically resemble them. When we reflect God’s characteristics, others will recognize us as his children.

Jesus makes a distinction between what the law requires and the purity of the heart. Would anyone hearing him dare to think that his words could apply to them?

When we aren’t honest with ourselves, we might presume we deserve God’s blessing. If that is the case, we have a misunderstanding of mercy and won’t share it freely with others. The appropriate response to mercy is compassion and forgiveness toward others out of the overflow of the mercy we’ve been given.

If we aren’t hungering and thirsting for his righteousness, we’re likely filling up on poor substitutes and have lost our appetite for God and his Word.

Meekness is strength and discipline; power and humility. Someone meek isn’t compelled to announce how powerful and humble they are.

Mourning is more than being sad, feeling guilty, or having regret, and it isn't limited only to dealing with the death of a loved one. We can mourn over what we thought our life would be, missed opportunities, broken relationships, or any number of things.

The blessed life begins when we recognize our spiritual poverty. The order of the beatitudes isn’t random— humbling ourselves before the Lord is a prerequisite for everything else.