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Mathew 5:3-12. Blessings

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NIV translation:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


I have heard a few different interpretations to these verses of blessings. At least one to suggest that these are the qualities of a Christian, and those who are following God, or what it means to follow God. A few to try and determine what it means to be "poor in Spirit," or what it means to be meek. And I think a few others as well. But the actual words are so much hope and inspiration that I can't help but just love the verses. There are a few questions I ponder sometimes though. Like that there are many different gifts God gives, not all are shared by being a Christian such as some teach, and some encourage, some do both and some fo other things as well. So too what if these blessings are also not all shared by just being a Christian. And that brought a bit of wonder to my mind. If a Christian is meek, they will inherit the earth, but perhaps they are not also the ones who are peacemakers, or the ones that are persecuted for righteousness. What if it's not you or I that receives some of these blessings. Or what if you receive the blessing of seeing God, but not all Christians have become pure of heart. Or what if you seek justice, mercy, and righteousness, but have not been persecuted, or are poor in spirit.

Can a Christian receive one of these treasures and not another? If so, does that mean there's more hope for everyone, because God will give us our blessings indivually? If not, does that mean these are the standards, the signs of who is really a Christian and following God?

To be poor in spirit (either in being downcast, humble, or in some other way); to morn and be sorrowful for the world or for the things in your life; to be meek, and not prideful, or outgoing, but small and humble; to hunger for rightousness in either yourself or in the world around you; to be merciful; pure of heart; and a peacemaker; and to be persecuted for rightousness. Do we need to show all of these in ourselves to be counted as following God?

Just some thoughts. Either way, I love these verses, and would enjoy any conversation that stems from them. :)
 
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