True
Happiness: The Beatitudes
Albert Farley
What we call “The Beatitudes” are found in Jesus’ great sermon which we call, “The Sermon on the Mount.” Matthew 5-7. In the context, Jesus was preaching the gospel of the kingdom in all of Galilee and healing all kinds of sicknesses, illnesses, diseases, and torments. 4:23, 24. Great multitudes followed Him from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. 4:25. The Bible tells us He preached this sermon up on a mountain.
The word Beatitudes is not found in the text of the Bible. It comes from the word beatus, which is the Latin version for blessed. The word blessed is in the text. It means, “happy,” but it means more than just happy. It has been said that happiness comes from earthly things but blessedness comes from God. Only those who have the characteristics and attitudes given by the Lord can possess this blessedness. Let’s learn true happiness from Jesus Christ:
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit. These are the humble, those of a contrite and broken spirit – in contrast to the haughty. Blessing: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven! (3)
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn. Not all those who mourn – but those who have true godly sorrow because of their sins; those who mourn because of the wickedness in the world and for the pain, suffering, and sorrow it causes to all of mankind. Blessing: They shall be comforted! (4)
Blessed Are the Meek. These are the mild and gentle – the opposite of the proud and ambitious. Blessing: They shall inherit the earth! (5)
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness. These greatly desire to be right before God and man in obedience to His Holy Word; they hunger and thirst as one does after food and water. Blessing: They shall be filled! (6)
Blessed Are the Merciful. These give forgiveness, pity, and compassion to others. Blessing: They shall obtain mercy! (7)
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart. These keep their heart clean and clear with all diligence, for they know that out of it are the springs of life. Blessing: They shall see God! (8)
Blessed Are the Peacemakers. These do not make war but, rather, follow the God of Peace, the Prince of Peace, and the gospel of Peace. Blessing: They shall be called sons of God! (9)
Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake. These are willing to suffer for doing good – as did Christ. Blessing: Theirs is the kingdom of heaven! (10)
Blessed Are You When They Revile You, and Persecute You, and Say All Kinds of Evil Against You Falsely, For My Sake. Rejoice and Be Exceedingly Glad. These are willing to follow the examples of God’s faithful prophets who were persecuted for Christ’s sake. Blessing: Their reward will be great in heaven! (11, 12)
“Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Revelation 14:13.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.
Have you found these true blessings?
Happiness: The Beatitudes