THE BEATITUDES
The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness". The blessed in each of the eight beatitudes in the Greek rendering is makarios. The other meanings of makarios are happy and fortunate. The phrase "blessed are" in each beatitude implies a current state of happiness or well being.
The whole teachings that Christ gave on the mountain is termed as sermon on the mountains which begins with the eight beatitudes. This teachings on the mountain replaces and transcends some aspect of the law of Moses. Jesus corrected some sayings and traditions that were contrary to the grace and love of God. Jesus rectified the general opinion in blessedness. Most people were of the view that, blessed are they that are rich, and great and honourable in the world.
Therefore, Jesus through the the teachings on beatitudes corrected the fundamental error on blessedness, advanced a new hypothesis and gave us a quite another notion of blessedness and blessed people. The teaching was also design to remove the discouragement of the weak and poor who received the gospel. Due to the general opinion the poorest person who believed the gospel may think that he has made a mistake and would gradually renounce the faith.
Moreover, the sermon was also given with the prospect of inviting souls to Christ himself and to make way for His law into the hearts of the people. Most people who didn't know the reason for believing in Christ through the blessedness of such would give their lives to Jesus.
Let's now consider the very words of the beatitudes with some simple explanation: [Matthew 5:3-12]
• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Those that are poor in spirit are those who want to be filled with the Spirit and Jesus assured them they will have for Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Those who are sad because of how they want live the Christ-life will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
The inheritance is for the humble only.
• Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Those who want to manifest the righteousness of God in them will have the ability to do as such.
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
The forgiving and loving heart receives more to do so.
• Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Those who allow Christ to rule their hearts will see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
One of the characteristic of the work of Christ as the son of God is peacemaking so anybody who make peace proved to be a son of God.
• Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Our persecution shows that we are pilgrims on earth.
• Blessed are you, when men shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Persecutions are the evidence for our work, hence, reward.
Blessed are the peace maker for they shall be called children of God.
We live in a world of wars, chaos and quarrels and fights. It is our duty as children of God to strive to make peace. It is good to live in peace as the importance of stayingg in peace and harmony cannot be overemphasized!
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Teaching good