blessed

This is Jesus talking here, at the beginning of what we call the Sermon on the Mount...

Matthew 5

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
    for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
    for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
    for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
    for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “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. 

12 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.