Increasing Biblical Knowledge

"A Beatitude is a statement common in both the Old Testament and New Testament which consists of a short cry of joy like 'you happy person!' which can be expanded to include a reason for the person's good fortune. The word beatitude comes from the Latin "beatus" meaning happy or blissful. It is a proclamation of happiness and a promise. This happiness is based on the nearness of the Kingdom of God." (From Illustrated Concordance and Dictionary of the Bible) The Beatitudes that Jesus presents in Matthew and Luke show the importance of God's care for the poor, the hungry and the weak, and also deal with how someone should respond when persecuted for their faith. They are important "life lessons" for all of us, because of the promise they give us: if we remain faithful to Christ and His teachings, He will hold us close in any and all circumstances, providing a way to overcome the challenges and difficulties life brings us.

"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 will inherit the
earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown
mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see
God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be
called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of
Heaven." Matthew 5: 3-10

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the
Kingdom of God.

Blessed are you, who hunger now, for you will be
satisfied.

Blessed are you, who weep now, for you will
laugh.

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they
exclude you and insult you and reject your
name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because
great is your reward in Heaven. For that is
how they treated the prophets."
Luke 6: 20-23