Matthew 5:3-10

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 NIV

This is definitely the longest text I’ve sung! There is so much to explore and gather from the beatitudes. It gives us a wonderful overview of the values and qualities that are important to God. Not only are these qualities important, but there is a reward for each one, and the reward fits to the quality attained.

By the way ‘poor in spirit’ doesn’t mean someone who thinks poorly of themselves but rather someone who recognises that they are not complete in themselves or self-sufficient.

I can’t help thinking that if all the films and movies currently in existence were measured against these qualities, over 90% would fail the test. The world has a different mantra that goes something like blessed are those who use force and violence, blessed are those who can do wrong and get away with it … I think the beatitudes are just as radical as when they were first written and definitely counter-cultural. One of the biggest challenges they present to us, is that if we follow through on them and someone else doesn’t, we could be seriously taken advantage of. That’s why it’s so important we learn to lay our rights. No one can take what you choose to give freely. It’s a new way to live - radical stuff!!

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