Matthew 5:3-12

The Beatitudes paint a clear picture of a self-contained person. The word bless in the chapter (makarias) is the most complete definition of true happiness. Somebody once said that – “happiness is what happens in us instead of what happens to us.”

Blessed are the “poor in spirit”

You have found the secret of happiness in realizing your spiritual helplessness. Like
the beggar who depends on others for his needs, you have realized that all your
needs are met in Christ: you are “poor in spirit.”

Blessed are those who “mourn”

You are sincerely sorry for your sins. You cannot sin and enjoy
it. You are among those who “mourn.”

Blessed are the “meek”

You are God-controlled. Like a wild animal who is brought under
the control of its master, you have let your impulses, passions, instincts,
thoughts, and actions come under the control of Jesus Christ. You are not weak
but “meek.”

Blessed are those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness”

The closer you get to God, the more sinful you feel; and the
further you get from God, the more dissatisfied you are. You maintain a holy
dissatisfaction with yourself because you are one who “hungers and thirsts
after righteousness.”

Blessed are the “pure in heart”

You have had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ known as the
new birth, in which the Holy Spirit has cleansed you and made you “pure in
heart.”

Blessed are the “merciful”

You have learned to put love into words and actions. You have
learned the opposite of being self-centered. You have learned to be “merciful”
toward your fellow humans.

Blessed are the peacemakers

You are actively engaged in the most important project on earth — ​making peace between
rebellious men and our loving heavenly Father! You are not just a peace lover;
you are a “peacemaker.”

Blessed are you when you “shall suffer persecution”

You are living the Christian life without compromise, for “all that will live godly
in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12)

What are some of the things you’ve tried thinking it was going to bring happiness into you life but it made you worse than before. How did you come to realize that you were on the wrong path. What do you think are some of the benefits finding your happiness in Christ?