The Beatitudes Paraphrased
This devotion was written by Gretchen Ordelheide, a member of our Ministry Prayer Team.
Matthew 5: 3-12
(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 sons 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.
Favored by God are those who are brokenhearted, sorrowful, overwhelmed, depressed, physically and mentally depleted, emotionally drained, distraught and hurting, because God has given them His very kingdom. Heaven belongs to them…and not just in the afterlife, but here and now – heaven on earth!
(4) Favored by God are those who cry uncontrollably, weep regularly, ache in their heart, agonize in grief, for the Great Comforter will lavish them with His hope, joy, love and perfect peace. He will pick them up, set them on His lap and enfold them tenderly in His arms. They will find rest against His problem-absorbing chest. He truly is the Divine Sponge Who willingly - but never forcefully - soaks-up the problems, burdens, hurts and fears of those who lay them at His feet.
(5) Divinely favored are the humbly patient, gentle and kind: those who don’t push their way to the head of the line, but calmly and quietly stand back without anger or negative thoughts toward those who must be first; those who compassionately and empathetically see poorly behaved unbelievers as people who are ravaged by the Enemy and in need of a Savior; those who look at people, seeing them as God views them…as precious children with a beautiful destiny designed just for them by God; those who look for the best in others, rather than stewing over or complaining about their negative traits; and those who are not always in a rush, caught-up in the fast-paced craziness of life, which can distract from the things that really matter, such as people, relationships and helping those in need.
These favored people will receive the earth as their inheritance. The earth and all that’s within it belongs to God. He created it, forming it with His very own hands, and He can give it to anyone He wants. God finds the meek to be generous and trustworthy. The meek are good stewards of their time, means, gifts/talents and resources. Being found faithful with the little they’ve been given to work with, God is happy to lavish them with more responsibility.
(6) Highly favored are those who crave, desire, long and yearn for goodness and honesty. Blessed are the famished and starved, who gulp down fairness and purity, and want more, and more and more of it. Their plate is never full; they’re never satisfied and just can’t get enough of God’s goodness. God happily fills the cups and plates of these individuals. And He doesn’t stop pouring at the brim; He allows His goodness and love to overflow. He’s never skimpy. There’s always more than enough…so much more!
(7) Favored are the kind, compassionate, forgiving, gentle, gracious, tenderhearted, thoughtful, understanding and encouraging. For these qualities and blessings will be exhibited to them. Like a mirror, people tend to reflect back what they have seen and experienced. And like a boomerang, what people model and send out will come back to them. God is the ultimate example of mercy and He loves to shower the merciful with His goodness…with Who He is!
(8) Favored are those whose hearts and minds are beautiful, spotless, without guilt, unpolluted, without impurity or stain, free from contamination, modest, virtuous and undefiled. Blessed are those who recognize and believe the Enemy’s lies to be what they are – lies – and don’t mix them with God’s perfect truth. Blessed are those who have been washed in Jesus’ blood and are seen by the Father as squeaky clean, not because of anything they’ve done, but because of the amazing gift of Christ’s sacrifice. Blessed are those who know their destiny and live as royal children, not by their own merit, but only because of Jesus Christ. These people are able to see God for Who He really is…seeing His incredible goodness, overwhelming faithfulness and breathtaking love.
(9) Divinely favored are the lovers of peace…the compromisers, moderators, mediators, dispute settlers, advocates and reconcilers. Blessed are those who put the needs of others in front of their desire to be right and don’t feel the need to justify themselves. Blessed are those who bite their tongue, who don’t argue but are slow to speak and quick to listen. Blessed are those who listen empathetically who try to put themselves in the other person’s place/situation and humbly offer grace. Blessed are those who are loving and speak life, even in the most difficult circumstances. Blessed are those who are able to see challenging people not as they currently are, but in the light of the destiny God has for them.
These favored people are known by God as His children – His very sons and daughters. God calls His princes and princesses by name; He knows them intimately.
(10) Favored by God are those who are oppressed, harassed, treated poorly, verbally and physically abused, belittled and even hunted down because of their love for God and faithfulness to Him.
The Enemy hates God as well as anyone who basks in God’s amazing grace. The Enemy seeks to destroy those on the side of righteousness. But God is in control and the Enemy is powerless against Love – true love, God’s love. Love fights back with tactics that even the most cunning and successful generals cannot understand. Love causes the Enemy to be powerless; love brings Satan to his knees. Love endures all; it conquers all.
God’s kingdom is a precious gift to those who are persecuted because of Christ Jesus. These mistreated people are not powerless. God’s love is a strong weapon in the spiritual arsenal. And there is plenty of love – overflowing amounts - in the kingdom.
(11) Favored are you when people say hurtful, unkind and malicious things to your face, as well as when they spread lies about you behind your back because you are a Christian.
(12) Praise God during these times that are a reminder that this earth is not our permanent home. A day is coming when you will see your precious Lord and Savior face to face. There will be no more sorrow, mourning, war or persecution. You will be with the Lord, without distractions, and how sweet – how good and amazing – that will be!
Remember that you aren’t the only person that has ever experienced persecution; the Enemy has been attacking God’s people throughout history. The prophets were persecuted and even our own dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was taunted, disrespected, deliberately misquoted, betrayed, hunted, spiritually abused and even murdered by the church! What a privilege to be in the same camp as Christ…to be on His winning team!
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.
Matthew 5: 3-12
(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 sons 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.
Favored by God are those who are brokenhearted, sorrowful, overwhelmed, depressed, physically and mentally depleted, emotionally drained, distraught and hurting, because God has given them His very kingdom. Heaven belongs to them…and not just in the afterlife, but here and now – heaven on earth!
(4) Favored by God are those who cry uncontrollably, weep regularly, ache in their heart, agonize in grief, for the Great Comforter will lavish them with His hope, joy, love and perfect peace. He will pick them up, set them on His lap and enfold them tenderly in His arms. They will find rest against His problem-absorbing chest. He truly is the Divine Sponge Who willingly - but never forcefully - soaks-up the problems, burdens, hurts and fears of those who lay them at His feet.
(5) Divinely favored are the humbly patient, gentle and kind: those who don’t push their way to the head of the line, but calmly and quietly stand back without anger or negative thoughts toward those who must be first; those who compassionately and empathetically see poorly behaved unbelievers as people who are ravaged by the Enemy and in need of a Savior; those who look at people, seeing them as God views them…as precious children with a beautiful destiny designed just for them by God; those who look for the best in others, rather than stewing over or complaining about their negative traits; and those who are not always in a rush, caught-up in the fast-paced craziness of life, which can distract from the things that really matter, such as people, relationships and helping those in need.
These favored people will receive the earth as their inheritance. The earth and all that’s within it belongs to God. He created it, forming it with His very own hands, and He can give it to anyone He wants. God finds the meek to be generous and trustworthy. The meek are good stewards of their time, means, gifts/talents and resources. Being found faithful with the little they’ve been given to work with, God is happy to lavish them with more responsibility.
(6) Highly favored are those who crave, desire, long and yearn for goodness and honesty. Blessed are the famished and starved, who gulp down fairness and purity, and want more, and more and more of it. Their plate is never full; they’re never satisfied and just can’t get enough of God’s goodness. God happily fills the cups and plates of these individuals. And He doesn’t stop pouring at the brim; He allows His goodness and love to overflow. He’s never skimpy. There’s always more than enough…so much more!
(7) Favored are the kind, compassionate, forgiving, gentle, gracious, tenderhearted, thoughtful, understanding and encouraging. For these qualities and blessings will be exhibited to them. Like a mirror, people tend to reflect back what they have seen and experienced. And like a boomerang, what people model and send out will come back to them. God is the ultimate example of mercy and He loves to shower the merciful with His goodness…with Who He is!
(8) Favored are those whose hearts and minds are beautiful, spotless, without guilt, unpolluted, without impurity or stain, free from contamination, modest, virtuous and undefiled. Blessed are those who recognize and believe the Enemy’s lies to be what they are – lies – and don’t mix them with God’s perfect truth. Blessed are those who have been washed in Jesus’ blood and are seen by the Father as squeaky clean, not because of anything they’ve done, but because of the amazing gift of Christ’s sacrifice. Blessed are those who know their destiny and live as royal children, not by their own merit, but only because of Jesus Christ. These people are able to see God for Who He really is…seeing His incredible goodness, overwhelming faithfulness and breathtaking love.
(9) Divinely favored are the lovers of peace…the compromisers, moderators, mediators, dispute settlers, advocates and reconcilers. Blessed are those who put the needs of others in front of their desire to be right and don’t feel the need to justify themselves. Blessed are those who bite their tongue, who don’t argue but are slow to speak and quick to listen. Blessed are those who listen empathetically who try to put themselves in the other person’s place/situation and humbly offer grace. Blessed are those who are loving and speak life, even in the most difficult circumstances. Blessed are those who are able to see challenging people not as they currently are, but in the light of the destiny God has for them.
These favored people are known by God as His children – His very sons and daughters. God calls His princes and princesses by name; He knows them intimately.
(10) Favored by God are those who are oppressed, harassed, treated poorly, verbally and physically abused, belittled and even hunted down because of their love for God and faithfulness to Him.
The Enemy hates God as well as anyone who basks in God’s amazing grace. The Enemy seeks to destroy those on the side of righteousness. But God is in control and the Enemy is powerless against Love – true love, God’s love. Love fights back with tactics that even the most cunning and successful generals cannot understand. Love causes the Enemy to be powerless; love brings Satan to his knees. Love endures all; it conquers all.
God’s kingdom is a precious gift to those who are persecuted because of Christ Jesus. These mistreated people are not powerless. God’s love is a strong weapon in the spiritual arsenal. And there is plenty of love – overflowing amounts - in the kingdom.
(11) Favored are you when people say hurtful, unkind and malicious things to your face, as well as when they spread lies about you behind your back because you are a Christian.
(12) Praise God during these times that are a reminder that this earth is not our permanent home. A day is coming when you will see your precious Lord and Savior face to face. There will be no more sorrow, mourning, war or persecution. You will be with the Lord, without distractions, and how sweet – how good and amazing – that will be!
Remember that you aren’t the only person that has ever experienced persecution; the Enemy has been attacking God’s people throughout history. The prophets were persecuted and even our own dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was taunted, disrespected, deliberately misquoted, betrayed, hunted, spiritually abused and even murdered by the church! What a privilege to be in the same camp as Christ…to be on His winning team!
© Live at the Well.
Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Live at the Well.
Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Kelly Mowrer. © Live at the Well.