The Beatitudes are the eight blessings pronounced by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Each one begins with the words “Blessed are…” If you count Matthew 5:11 separately, there are nine beatitudes, but most commentators consider verse eleven to be an extension of verse 10.
Definition of “Blessed”
Among other definitions, the Oxford dictionary has two definitions of the adjective “blessed” that should be of particular interest to Latter-day Saints.
BLESSED, adjective
Oxford Languages
- Made holy; Consecrated.
- Endowed with divine favor and protection.
Consecrated? Endowed? Clearly the Beatitudes are about becoming holy in the LDS sense of higher priesthood and temple ordinances. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read and understand the Beatitudes in a much deeper and more meaningful sense than other Christians.
To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives – that is our time and our choices – to God’s purposes. In so doing. we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
The condition leads to the blessing
Each verse of the Beatitudes contains two parts: the condition and the blessing. This corresponds to the LDS idea that every blessing from God depends upon obedience to the appropriate law.
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:21
The Beatitudes teach us to demonstrate love, humility, forgiveness, mercy, and peacemaking. They promise that people with these qualities will see God, be called His children, and shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. They also promise that those who mourn will be comforted and that those who endure persecution because they are righteous will be greatly rewarded.
The text
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after 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 they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
The challenge
The Beatitudes are not just pleasant Christian platitudes. They are covenant promises from the Son of God.
The personal qualities listed in the Beatitudes are the personal qualities Jesus wants us to develop. And not just one or two of them – ALL of them. If we truly want the blessings promised to us by the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must become a holy people. The Beatitudes point the way.
The Beatitudes are a blessing and a comfort to the followers of Jesus, but they are also a challenge to examine ourselves, repent, and strive to become more Christlike in our daily lives.
Sources:
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” General Conference, October 2010.
— “Platitude,” Wikipedia.
Good article! I know you write many times about how religion and politics collide. You didn’t mention it in this article but I just wanted to say that it was the Sermon on the Mount where I began my transformation away from being a “conservative” republican.
Thank you for this beautiful message…. it is so encouraging and so comforting to be reminded of our Savior and His tender, loving blessings.