Teachings,+disciple,+the+Beautitudes

Disciple, the Beautitudes
(Kai Stormwalker)

I love the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, but have found the traditional wording to be rather ambiguous. So I got my concordance, looked up all the key words, and wrote what it seems to actually be saying. When I was a child I thought that I was to choose whether I wanted to be meek, merciful, etc. It wasn't until I grew up that I came to realize that as followers of Jesus, we are to be all of them.

Here is the original. I have written a paragraph below for each verse.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

DISCIPLE

A disciple is humble, recognizing he can do nothing without God. He prays to know God’s will in everything and thanks Him for his blessings. He takes no pride in national allegiances, denominational ties, or other worldly associations.

A disciple mourns for his own failure to truly follow God. He also mourns for those whose hearts are hardened against the love of God. He prays and does good for his enemies. He prays for those who persecute him instead of seeking vengeance. He strives always to live the good news of Christ for all to see.

A disciple is a servant to all. He takes care of the poor and provides for those who have no one to care for them. He does whatever he can to help everyone and does not demand worldly justice.

A disciple desires the true righteousness of God. He recognizes that he has no righteousness of his own. He follows the commands of Jesus, and teaches others who would be disciples to do likewise.

A disciple is merciful to all. He is willing to renounce his own dignity to shield others. He loves unbelievers so they may not be hindered from finding Christ in him. He loves and encourages those who truly seek God. He does not judge unbelievers by believer’s standards.

A disciple maintains a pure heart. He relies solely on Jesus for his own goodness. He guards his thoughts. He guards his speech. He watches and prays.

A disciple is filled with the peace of Jesus and lets it flow among all he encounters. He does not allow himself to be provoked. He remembers that everyone he meets was created in the image of God. He takes a non-violent stand against all violence. He chooses to suffer himself rather than inflict suffering on others.

A disciple stands true to these things no matter what others may say or do. He trusts in God as his vindicator. He trusts in the truth of following Him.