The Beatitudes of Jesus Essay Example
The Beatitudes of Jesus Essay Example

The Beatitudes of Jesus Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1232 words)
  • Published: May 22, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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The Beatitudes, which come from the Latin word "beatus" meaning blessed, can be found in the Holy Bible (Matthew 5: 3-12). St. Gregory of Nyssa, a mystic who lived in Cappadocia in Asia Minor around 380 AD, was one of the first thinkers to reflect on the significance of the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes can be understood as possessing everything that is considered good and lacking nothing necessary for a good desire. To better grasp the concept of beatitude, it can be contrasted with its opposite, which is misery. Misery involves enduring painful sufferings against one's will. In Christian life, the Beatitudes are expressed in a simple manner but hold deep significance.

Christ underscores the significance of values that are directed, guided, and instructed. By following these values, followers can

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attain peace, happiness, and ultimately gain entry into the Kingdom of God. The eight Beatitudes were delivered by Jesus Christ in his Sermon on the Mount as documented in the Gospel of Matthew from the New Testament. Throughout his earthly existence, Christ's teachings were both direct and pioneering as they stressed modesty, generosity, and fraternal affection.

The Beatitudes teach the transformation of individuals and offer salvation in the next world. They provide guidance towards true happiness and instruct on how to follow this path. The starting point is acknowledging that every person, regardless of circumstances, is affected by sin and therefore impoverished and pitiful. While they guarantee salvation, the Beatitudes also offer comfort during earthly hardships.

In this article, we explore the meaning of each of the eight Beatitudes and their importance in the life o

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a Christian.

According to Jesus' teachings, those who possess humility will receive blessings and inherit the kingdom of heaven. The phrase "poor in spirit" symbolizes humility and acknowledges that all blessings and abilities come from God. Being spiritually impoverished entails being fully open and ready to learn from God. When we eliminate our pride, we become akin to an empty cup, exemplifying genuine humility. This state of humbleness fosters internal receptiveness and tranquility, allowing us to follow God's desires.

He who humbles himself is capable of accepting our delicate nature, repenting, and allowing the grace of God to guide us towards Conversion. The opposite of humility, pride, is the cause of misery. Pride leads to anger and the desire for revenge, particularly when one is offended. If every person were humble and had a modest spirit, there would be no wars. The significant message is that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must adopt a poor in spirit attitude.

The message of the kingdom emphasizes the significance of repentance and humility towards God. It teaches that to enter the kingdom, people must acknowledge their lack of power, possessions, and merit. Those who sincerely humble themselves and depend on the Lord will find happiness in heaven's kingdom. Furthermore, those who mourn will be comforted. By being humble and grateful, acknowledging that all our blessings come from God, our love for Jesus Christ as our Savior becomes stronger.

However, the actions we have taken have caused sorrow and regret for both our own sins and the sins of the world. We have harmed someone who has been kind to us,

leading to a sense of remorse. Additionally, we also feel sadness for the suffering endured by others. As we contemplate Divine Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, we come to recognize the limitations inherent in human nature. This realization fills us with sadness. When we acknowledge that we were originally created in God's likeness and image and once lived in Paradise – specifically the Garden of Eden – it becomes clear how far removed our current state is from that ideal. Consequently, there is nothing left but to mourn over our present condition.

According to the sentence, the Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Comforter, will provide comfort to those who are mourning. This comfort brings hope of reaching Heaven's Kingdom. Mourning is considered a blessing in this context because it leads to a desire for self-improvement and righteous actions. The instruction emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mourning, especially for disciples who understand its purpose.

And they will have the proper faith to see them through. As people face the sadness of life, they can do so with hope if they have mourned over sin - a clear sign of faith in the Savior. St. Gregory of Nyssa taught that the Beatitudes build one upon another. A humble person becomes meek, or becomes gentle and kind, and exhibits a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship. A person that is meek is one that exhibits self-control.

According to St. Augustine, it is crucial to be meek in the presence of the Lord rather than resisting and instead being obedient to Him. Although obedience and submission to God's will may

not be popular today, they can bring inner peace in both this life and the afterlife. The question arises regarding how one can cultivate meekness, especially if their nature does not incline towards it. Fortunately, other biblical passages provide insight into the process of spiritual growth. Meekness, gentleness, and goodness are qualities that are nurtured within a Christian through the Holy Spirit.

To develop meekness, it is necessary to follow the guidance of the Spirit of God. This enables the manifestation of Christ's qualities. According to the Bible, studying this guidance is crucial for cultivating meekness. Furthermore, those who have a strong desire for righteousness will find fulfillment. A persistent yearning for justice and moral perfection brings about the fulfillment of that longing, resulting in a transformation and commitment to holiness.

The same principle applies to virtues - if you strongly desire temperance, you will move towards your intended goal. St. Augustine connects the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and their significance in fulfilling the Beatitudes in his discourse on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount. To seek justice, for instance, one must possess fortitude as a gift to be courageous. It is also important to reflect on how this desire is nurtured. While many Christians aspire to righteousness, it is crucial to consider how this passion is intensified. Ultimately, it originates from the growth of one's spiritual life.

According to Paul, the spiritual person is someone who dedicates their members to be instruments of righteousness and displays a devotion to God's will. The Holy Spirit guides believers on their spiritual path towards righteousness. As one grows closer to the Lord,

they become increasingly aware of unrighteousness and injustice in the world. Consequently, a truly spiritual individual develops a strong desire for righteousness. Jesus' teachings highlight that those who show mercy will be blessed and receive mercy in return (Matthew 5:7).

Mercy is the act of displaying compassion to those in distress, showing love, compassion, and forgiveness towards our neighbors. By extending mercy to others, we can expect to receive mercy from our Heavenly Father in return. This can foster harmony in our relationships. In the Lord's Prayer, we seek forgiveness for our own wrongdoings and also forgive those who have wronged us. Jesus reminds us that how we treat others reflects on Him, whether with kindness or harm. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience throughout his Letter to the Romans (1:5, 16:25-27). Here are some ways to exhibit mercy and faithfully follow Christ our Savior.

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