You Are Blessed

The Beatitudes are among Jesus’ most tender and challenging words. They reveal a way of living that doesn’t rely on strength, status, or success, but on openness to God. In these blessings, Jesus names the qualities that make room for grace—poverty of spirit, mercy, purity of heart, a longing for righteousness, the courage to make peace. They are not commands to achieve but invitations to receive.

Each Beatitude opens a doorway into the life of the Kingdom. Together, they sketch the shape of a heart being formed by Christ—quietly, steadily, from the inside out. When we pray with them, we begin to see that holiness is not about perfection but about surrender, trust, and love that bears fruit in ordinary life.

As you sit with these words, from Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message), let one blessing rest in your heart today. Allow it to speak to your own longing for God and your desire to live with greater freedom and compassion, blessed with belief.

You’re Blessed

5 ^1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

³ “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴ “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵ “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

⁶ “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

⁷ “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

⁸ “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹ “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

¹⁰ “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

^11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.