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

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“You’re blessed when you are content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

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

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Scriptures from: Matthew 5:3-11