The Beatitudes

1 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Shed Shame, Find Family

Recognize powerlessness. We admit our lack of control and our need for help.

2 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Engage Emotion, Ditch Denial

Express grief over our attempts at control and the consequences of sin in our lives. We turn to God, believing He can restore us.

3 - Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Turn in Trust, Submit for Strength

Commit our lives and will to Christ’s care and control.  We choose to trust and surrender. We become teachable.

4 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Choose Character, Resume Responsibility

Order our lives to seek God first, refusing other satisfaction or relief. We humbly ask him to replace our defects with His character and to fill us with His Spirit.

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

Cultivate Compassion, Forgive Freely

View others as fellow strugglers. We are all alike. We choose acceptance and forgiveness over judgment, and share freely what we have received.

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

Live in the Light, Give it all to God

Examine our hearts. We expose sin and desire through confession to God and to one another. We experience cleansing and healing.

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

Promote Peace, Restore Relationships

Restore relationships. We extend grace to those who have hurt us and make amends for the harm we have done except when to do so would cause further harm to others.

8 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Surrender Self, Give Gratefully

Yield our lives to God’s purpose. We become willing to suffer loss and to love others the way Jesus has loved us.