The Sermon on the Mount which we have in chapters 5-7, is wonderful teaching about how a Christian should live. This sermon shows the Christian the path to real blessing in this life. The Beatitudes (v2-12) are a great place to start. The term Beatitudes comes from the Latin word ‘beati’ meaning blessed, the word which starts each of these sayings that teach us the qualities needed to be blessed as Christians.

Poor in Spirit (v3) means the opposite of being full of ourselves in pride. It means having a realistic view of our sin. Those who mourn (v4) speaks of those who mourn for their sin. Being meek (v5) means being restrained in how we use our strength.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness (v6) can speak of being justified through faith or it can mean being sanctified through the Spirit. Being merciful (v7) means a life touched by grace being gracious to others. Being pure in heart (v8) means being single-minded in devotion to Christ. Peacemakers (v9) are those who have peace in Christ and who seek to bring others into that peace. The persecuted (v10-12) are those who suffer for standing for Christ.

Consider how real these qualities are in you, and their blessings.