12/31/2019 BE HAPPY
Matthew 5:1-12 Now when HE saw the crowds, HE went up on a mountainside and sat down…and HE began to teach them saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
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.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me…. because great is your reward in heaven… [New International translation]
Definition: The word “Beatitude” is from the Latin “beatus” meaning both “blessed” and “happy.” It is a description of Supreme happiness or Supreme blessedness.
SCRIPTURE DISCUSSION
The verses of Matthew chapter 5:1-12 are often referred to as “JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount” or “The Beatitudes.” Like Moses’ receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, JESUS’ teaching of the eight beatitudes is a message, instruction or proclamation from GOD. The message of the beatitudes is about humility, charity, and spiritual love.
The message of the beatitudes tells us what it means to live like Christ, who sacrificed Himself out of love for all humanity. The beatitudes are a guide for the “spiritual” or “inner person.”
The beatitudes are similar to Jesus’ Passover instruction that to be “great” you must “serve.” See, Luke 22:26.
The beatitudes are similar to JESUS’ instruction that to be “great” we must become like “little children” and not “overbearing adults” ---wanting to have everything our way. See, Matthew 18:1-3
The promise and the reward of living a “blessed” life or embracing “an attitude” for the beatitudes is supreme happiness.