3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Way – a paraphrase
A person who realizes they are spiritually impoverished will be overcome with grief at their spiritual destitution and humbly seek with the desperation of a starving and parched person acceptance from God.
This person will find himself not only accepted into the kingdom of heaven and comforted but inheriting a new life on earth. They will be filled with joy and happiness at this undeserved gift of acceptance. Their natural reaction to this grace will to be merciful to others.
In response, God will continue to show them mercy cleansing them from all unrighteousness and giving them pure hearts. Newly cleansed they will see God for who he truly is and begin to act as peacemakers.
As they act as ministers of reconciliation between the rebellious sons and daughters of earth and the kingdom of heaven, some will call them who they truly are - sons of God while others will persecute them for their new way of life. In either outcome, these sons and daughters of God will celebrate their place in the kingdom of heaven.
Next Part II: "Jesus and the Way"
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