How do the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) challenge conventional ideas of happiness and success, and what do they reveal about the values of the Kingdom of God?
Which one or more than one of the Beatitudes speaks most deeply to your life, and how has it/have they shaped your personal experiences, relationships, and sense of purpose? Share specific moments that have influenced who you are becoming.
Living the Beatitudes: Kingdom Values in a World of Different Priorities
First we should have an idea of what these conventional ideas of happiness and success are. In many societies, happiness and success are often hand in hand with wealth and power. As well as your social status, and any personal achievements you may have earned. These are all material things, ideologies that belong to this world. In the Beatitudes, Jesus begins by calling people “Blessed” who are not successful by these standards. The Poor in Spirit, those who Mourn, The Meek, those who Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness, those who are Persecuted for Righteousness Sake. This shows that those “material things” as mentioned earlier mean nothing in the Kingdom of God. Those Beatitudes reveal these values in the Kingdom of God.
- The Dependence on God– “The Poor in Spirit” are blessed because they acknowledge their need for God, rewarding being spiritually humble rather than being self-reliant.
- Compassion and Mercy– “The Merciful” are blessed because we are called to show other people mercy and never judge or do wrong by them, we are meant to reflect God’s Character.
- Humility and Patience– “The Meek” are blessed as it is important to always remain humble and be thankful for what you have.
- Comfort and Care– “Those who Mourn” are blessed because God cares and comforts us in times of loss, showing us that we will overcome these in the Kingdom of God.
- Righteousness– “those who Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness” are blessed as they do not put themselves first and only care about personal gain, they strive for a greater connection and relationship with God.
- Always Believing in God– “those who are Persecuted for Righteousness Sake” are blessed as they never waiver their faith or belief even if it puts them in very troubling and terrible situations.
Next, I would like to discuss one beatitude more deeply and what it has done for me in my life. The Beatitude that sits deeply with me is “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” I am and never will be anywhere close to being perfect and for that please forgive me for I am a sinner. When living my life, I try to always remain positive and understanding of anything that is going on in other people’s lives. I always want to put my best foot forward in giving them mercy and compassion as I have no clue what other people go through. When talking to friends and family, I try to check up on them, understand what they are going through and show them love and kindness, and to be a helping hand. When my classmates, teammates, friends, or family have hurt me or have made mistakes, I have tried to remain positive and show them forgiveness rather than holding a grudge. This is very hard to do all the time and I can certainly have made my fair share of mistakes and held some grudges but I am trying my best each and every day to let go of them and become a better person every second I can.
In the crazy world we live in, and the differing sides of anything in today’s age> Whether this be political sides, sports teams, jobs, family gatherings, etc. It is important to give people compassion and kindness when you have a different view. We are all human and, on this earth, forgive people, be kind to people, respect each other. For me, check up on someone in your life you may have not contacted in a while and tell them you love them! Always show them mercy.
