Matthew 5: 1-12
(comments in italics and parentheses)
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed (inner joy, peace, and God’s approval) are the poor in spirit, (those who recognize they fail to meet God’s expectations and have nothing to offer that can mend the relationship)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn (shed tears of regret over their broken relationship with God),
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, (those submitted to God’s control)
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, (doing God’s will is as essential as food and water)
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, (those act mercifully)
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, (those whose heart is completely focused on God’s direction – no distractions)
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, (those who always seek to encourage peace between people and God, and between people)
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, (persecuted for following God’s direction)
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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