These are "The Beatitudes" that are located in the very beginning of what we have come to call "The Sermon on the Mount"
This colossal sermon covers chapter 5, 6, & 7 of Matthew.
It's a stupendous sermon in which Jesus lays out many of the things that are cornerstones to followers of Jesus.
These few verses are always of interest to me.
They're right at the beginning of the sermon.
They talk about how some of us are endemically blessed simply because of our basic identity.
Just read it & see what I mean...
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.
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