When the Bible was translated into Latin the phrases at the beginning of each verse began with the word "beati"or "beautis" which translates into English as "Blessed (happy) are they" and the noun form is the actual "beatitude". So when the Bible was printed the headings for Matthew 5 was lovingly called "Beatitudes." Even Webster dictionary states that the word "Beatitude" means: 1. A state of utmost bliss, 2. any declaration made in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 beginning in the Authorized Version, "Blessed are". Synonyms for the word beatutide are as follows: happiness, blessed, bliss, gladness, joy, and warm fuzzies!
Now as you read the actual Beatitudes you just might not feel the warm fuzzies or the bliss...you may feel the opposite of that and be more like 'Woe is me.' But that is okay...none of us have arrived and thankfully every day we have new mercies that have been given to us! Each one of these verses are a state of ATTITUDE and character of how God wants each of us to BE! And we all know that Kingdom mindsets are not built in a day! FYI: I will be posting via my blog each of the verses for the next few days and simplifying them for our personal application.
I believe that when Jesus says “blessed are they" at the beginning of each verse that He is not only describing people as being filled with inner joy and peace because we are in right standing with God....but also He is giving praise for good character and then pledging a divine reward because of it! Now if that doesn't give you the warm fuzzies then I don't know what will!
“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 children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt 5:3-11
Adjust that Crown!
Jonna
