The Beatitudes

Matthew 5:3-12

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

NLT

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

One of the Sermon on the Mount blessings: peacemaking read as repair of justice, not quiet acceptance.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. This verse moves beyond mere passivity or the absence of conflict. 'Peacemaking' (shalom) implies active work to restore harmony, justice, and wholeness in fractured relationships and societies. By equating peacemakers with 'children of God,' Jesus indicates that this work is a direct reflection of the divine character.