1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

– The poor in spirit are those who never forget that all that they are and all that they have is from GOD… With Job they say, “The LORD gave, the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” (1:21).

2. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.”

– The truly meek are anything but weaklings. It takes great inner strength to accept disappointment, misfortune and even disaster, and to keep one’s face turned all the while in undimmed hope to GOD.

3. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

– These, who see their pain as the rightful lot of sinful humanity, and accept it without repining and without complaint, in union with the cross of CHRIST Himself.

4. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.”

– We must have a zeal for justice, whether it be the justice of a square meal for our fellow man or the higher justice towards GOD which is sinlessness, in others as well as in ourselves… Satisfied in Heaven, but never satisfied here.

5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

– The very essence of the Christian spirit is here. There can be no forgiveness for him who will not forgive.

6. “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see GOD.”

– It refers not only to chastity, but to selflessnes; everything viewed first of all from GOD’s viewpoint, rather than our own. It means singleness of purpose; GOD first, without self-deceit or compromise.

7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of GOD.”

– As I listen to CHRIST saying that, I must ask myself whether I am a center of peace and harmony in my own home, an island of good will in my neighborhood, a mender of discord in the place I work. It is a sure path to Heaven.

8. “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

– And with the eight beatitude we hang our head in shame as we recall the small inconveniences our own religion costs us – and think of (and pray for) the tortured souls of our brethren behind the Iron and the Bamboo Curtains.

Source: Fear Not