The Beatitudes
Seven days on the Sermon on the Mount's opening blessings — the upside-down happiness of the kingdom.
Part of Understanding the Bible
Day 1 / 7
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3, KJV The kingdom opens to the poor in spirit — those who know they bring nothing. Blessedness begins not with achievement but with empty hands honestly shown.
Day 2 / 7
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4, KJV Blessed are they that mourn: an astonishing sentence. Jesus does not rush grief; he promises it comfort. Bring your mourning to him today, unedited.
Day 3 / 7
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5, KJV The meek inherit the earth — not the aggressive, the grasping, or the loud. Meekness is strength under God's hand. Practise it once today where you could have pushed.
Day 4 / 7
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6, KJV Hunger and thirst are promised fullness — but only when their object is righteousness. What are you actually hungry for? The appetite you feed is the one that grows.
Day 5 / 7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7, KJV The merciful obtain mercy. The measure you use returns to you. Someone in your day needs mercy more than they need justice; be the one who gives it.
Day 6 / 7
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8, KJV The pure in heart shall see God — the greatest promise in the list. Purity here is singleness: one thing desired. Simplify your heart's wants today toward him.
Day 7 / 7
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9, KJV Peacemakers are called the children of God because they bear the family likeness. Where you can mend something today — a word, a silence, a bridge — mend it.
A verse a day, wherever you are
Read a day each morning, at your own pace — or explore more plans and the daily psalm.
