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Beatitudes, part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
I haven’t been writing much as of late because my new job is taking up most of my time. My family — my first ministry and primary responsibility, as I see it — takes up the rest of my time. So I...
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Beatitudes, part 2: Blessed are Those Who Mourn
The theme of the Beatitudes is to show a felt need, then demonstrate how that need will see fulfillment in the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit are blessed because they have no religion or...
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Beatitudes, part 3: Blessed are the Meek
The Beatitudes celebrate as virtues that which we would not necessarily consider virtues. The poor in spirit inherit heaven. The mourning will be comforted. The meek shall inherit the earth (Mt 5:5)....
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Beatitudes, part 4: Blessed are Those Who Hunger & Thirst
The virtues celebrated in the Beatitudes are foreign to the culture of the United States, which is typically one of excess and materialism. It is strange to think that the poor in spirit will inherit...
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Beatitudes, part 5: Blessed are the Merciful
The first four Beatitudes identify felt needs as virtues: the poor, the mourning, the meek, and the hungry. The next three identify states of character as virtues. The first is mercy; the merciful...
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Beatitudes, part 6: Blessed are the Pure in Heart
Examining the Beatitudes, we see a stark contrast with what God deems a virtue and what society deems a virtue. To God, the poor, the mourning, the meek, the hungry, and the merciful are blessed....
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Beatitudes, part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers
The Beatitudes exemplify virtues that God deems worthwhile. As can be expected, these are not virtues that the world would identify as virtuous. The first four Beatitudes are felt needs: poor in...
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Beatitues, part 8: Blessed are Those Persecuted for Righteousness
Ultimately, what do the Beatitudes celebrate as virtues? Poor in spirit. Mourning. Meekness. Hunger and thirst for righteousness. Showing mercy. Pureness of heart. Making peace. Things not seen...
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