Matthew 5:1-12
The meaning of the word blessed within the beatitudes.
Blessed, in terms of the Beatitudes, is in reference to real joy. It isn’t the joy the world brings but that the Savior brings. Being blessed would mean being filled with real joy that comes as we are poor in spirit, mourn with those who mourn, meek, seek righteousness, merciful, and pure in heart. Those are the things that bring this “real” joy that is not temporary, but eternal.
Three beatitudes that have, in the past or can
in the future, increase my happiness.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
This beatitude is what sparked the most important change in my life. I was at a crossroads of choosing to be an active, participating member of the church, or not. It took a great deal to get me to the point where I was so knocked down and hopeless. It was then that I felt the need to find help. I had a desire to find hope and peace in my life. It was difficult to be humble enough to admit I needed help. Once I did I was able to find that peace I was looking for. Even though circumstances haven’t changed much, I have been able to experience greater happiness.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
This beatitude is what sparked the most important change in my life. I was at a crossroads of choosing to be an active, participating member of the church, or not. It took a great deal to get me to the point where I was so knocked down and hopeless. It was then that I felt the need to find help. I had a desire to find hope and peace in my life. It was difficult to be humble enough to admit I needed help. Once I did I was able to find that peace I was looking for. Even though circumstances haven’t changed much, I have been able to experience greater happiness.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake.
This is more of a future beatitude for me. It is something I would like to be more confident in saying I would be like. I love the gospel and I know it is true. I question my level of faith though when I think of being put in situations of great persecution. I can’t say with certainty that I would proclaim my beliefs. I worry fear would take over. I am not afraid to tell people I am a Member and I will defend my beliefs. In a big situation, I don’t know what I would do. Being to a point I feel I could do that would greatly increase my happiness.
This is more of a future beatitude for me. It is something I would like to be more confident in saying I would be like. I love the gospel and I know it is true. I question my level of faith though when I think of being put in situations of great persecution. I can’t say with certainty that I would proclaim my beliefs. I worry fear would take over. I am not afraid to tell people I am a Member and I will defend my beliefs. In a big situation, I don’t know what I would do. Being to a point I feel I could do that would greatly increase my happiness.
Blessed are they that mourn.
This is one that is definitely part of my past and my future. I actually didn’t understand completely what this meant until reading the student manual. I wasn’t aware it referred to repentance. I have had many experiences with repentance, and repenting for the most serious mistakes has brought me the most joy. There is relief and true happiness that comes by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ to my life. I have experienced that and I know I will continue to experience it throughout my entire life.
This is one that is definitely part of my past and my future. I actually didn’t understand completely what this meant until reading the student manual. I wasn’t aware it referred to repentance. I have had many experiences with repentance, and repenting for the most serious mistakes has brought me the most joy. There is relief and true happiness that comes by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ to my life. I have experienced that and I know I will continue to experience it throughout my entire life.
I am grateful for my study of the beatitudes. For one, I couldn't have probably told you before what they were. For two, I realized I didn't have a clear understanding of what some of them were actually talking about. These things: being poor in spirit, repentant, meek, righteous seeking, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for the sake of righteousness , are the things that will bring us happiness. We will being able to possess pure joy that comes only through Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment