These are four ways to understand the Beatitudes:
1. They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of
conduct for all believers.
2. They contrast kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly
values.
3. They contrast the superficial “faith” of the Pharisees with the
real faith Christ wants.
4. They show how the Old Testament expectations will be
fulfilled in the new Kingdom.

Mat. 5:3 to 5:12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you
there is more of God and his rule.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is more dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
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.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
They will be filled.
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.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full’,
you find yourselves cared for.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
You’re blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart –
put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of
Compete and fight. That’s When you discover who you really are, and
your place in God’s family.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.
The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Count yourself 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.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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.