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Jesus gave us keys, known as the Beatitudes, to being blessed by God. How can they help us experience lasting joy in our lives?

Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount listing eight spiritual traits that will lead to true happiness and to the Kingdom of God. They are:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

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

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake (Matthew 5:4-11).

What does the word Beatitudes mean?

These spiritual traits of character are known as the Beatitudes. It comes from the Latin word for happy or blessed, since each of these verses start with the word blessed (Matthew 5:3-11).

In Greek, that word is makarios, which means “happy, blessed, as a noun it can depict someone who receives divine favor” (Mounce Concise GreekEnglish Dictionary).

William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible gives a deeper look at this important word that leads into each of the Beatitudes:

“Makarios . . . describes that joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained, that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life.

“The English word happiness gives its own case away. It contains the root hap which means chance. Human happiness is something which is dependent on the chances and the changes of life, something which life may give and which life may also destroy.”

Barclay explains that the blessedness described by the Beatitudes is something far more permanent than temporary happiness:

“The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable. ‘No one,’ said Jesus, ‘will take your joy from you’ (John 16:22). The beatitudes speak of that joy which seeks us through our pain, that joy which sorrow and loss, and pain and grief, are powerless to touch, that joy which shines through tears, and which nothing in life or death can take away.”

So, the blessing that comes from applying the Beatitudes transcends our circumstances in life and comes from a deep relationship with God—not the circumstances of life.

Additional explanation showing that makarios is not primarily focused on our temporary emotional state is given by John R.W. Stott: “And all Christians can testify from experience that there is a close connection between holiness and happiness.

“Nevertheless, it is seriously misleading to render makarios ‘happy’. For happiness is a subjective state, whereas Jesus is making an objective judgment about these people. He is declaring not what they may feel like (‘happy’), but what God thinks of them and what on that account they are: they are ‘blessed’” (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p. 33).

The pattern of the Beatitudes

The eight Beatitudes each follow a pattern or structure. That structure is:

1. The declaration of a blessing of happiness (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”).

2. A characteristic we must develop in our life to be blessed (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”).

3. A description of an aspect of the coming Kingdom of God that the person will be blessed to receive (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”).

Here’s how The NKJV Study Bible describes this threefold structure: “The Beatitudes are comprised of three elements: a pronouncement of blessing, a quality of life, and a reason why the recipient should be considered blessed. The first element is found in the word Blessed (see Ps. 1:1), which introduces each beatitude. The second element does not describe different groups of people, but a composite picture of the kind of person who will inherit Christ’s kingdom. The third element looks ahead to some aspect of the coming kingdom” (note on Matthew 5:3-12).

After each spiritual trait, Jesus Christ gave the outcome it will produce— the blessing it will bring. These blessings will reach their complete fulfillment in the Kingdom of God, but they also bring a blessing in this life.

Many of them can seem counterintuitive at first glance. How can someone who is mourning or being persecuted be blessed or happy? Let’s take a deeper look.

How can we achieve true happiness?

The average person living in a developed nation today enjoys a level of comfort and security unknown to those who lived in prior centuries. Compared to individuals living in poorer countries, people living in the more affluent nations have access to a wealth of resources, utilities, opportunities, conveniences and services.

But has prosperity of itself brought lasting peace and happiness? Sadly, no. Feelings of frustration, emptiness and dissatisfaction are prevalent in our world.

Why do so many people who have so much feel so discontented?

Along with seeking happiness, people want a peaceful life. The quest for peace, happiness and well-being fostered the self-help movement. Many seek peace of mind and fulfillment in exercise, relaxation and positive thinking. Others have found temporary excitement or relief in stimulants and depressants.

But neither self-help nor drugs and alcohol can bring real happiness. These approaches can offer only temporary relief from unhappiness. But they can’t offer true, lasting happiness that comes through being blessed by God because they ignore the necessary spiritual dimension. Jesus revealed that spiritual dimension in the eight Beatitudes.

In them, He revealed the spiritual traits of character that produce a state of joy that persists apart from and in spite of circumstances. True happiness comes from developing these characteristics inside ourselves. That’s why they can bring a deeper happiness that transcends our external circumstances.

What do the Beatitudes teach us?

Let’s briefly explore each of the eight Beatitudes.

This Beatitude shows us that real happiness isn’t based on feelings of personal adequacy and self-worth.

Being “poor in spirit” refers to someone who is humble enough to recognize how powerless he or she is compared to God—someone who is willing to fully submit to God’s power.

For example, the apostle Paul recognized his weakness and dependence on God (2 Corinthians 12:9). But his trust in God allowed him to be courageous and to preach boldly (2 Corinthians 10:1; Philippians 4:13).

Instead of comparing themselves to others, those who are poor in spirit see themselves in comparison to God. This helps them to develop a healthy humility and to overcome feelings of inflated self-importance and ego (Job 42:5-6; Psalm 39:4-7).

Those who are poor in spirit have no illusions of pride and self-importance. They recognize their personal inadequacy and human frailty. They relate to God as dependent beings, looking to Him as the Source of all things. They put their confidence and trust in God, not in themselves or others.

God describes being “poor in spirit” in slightly different words in Isaiah 66:2: “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

That trust will be blessed, and they will find ultimate fulfillment serving with Christ in His Kingdom.

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

This Beatitude shows us that there are times for Christians to be somber. It is not a sign of spiritual weakness to mourn. There are many things about which a Christian might mourn:

• Repentance of sins. Repentance—the process of confessing one’s sins to God and changing to His way of life—is a very sobering process (Psalm 51). It starts with a godly sorrow over sins and leads to real change (2 Corinthians 7:9-11).

• Sorrow for the sins of the world. “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law,” the psalmist said (Psalm 119:136). It’s hard living in a world that is so opposed to God’s way, but God will ultimately protect those who sigh and cry over the sins of the world (Ezekiel 9:4).

• Mourning for the loss of a loved one and compassion for others who have lost loved ones. The death of a loved one is a painful thing, and Paul tells us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:26).

Jesus was moved by the mourning of those grieving the death of His close friend Lazarus (John 11:33-36). He had compassion on a widow who had lost her son (Luke 7:12-13).

• Compassion for those who are suffering. Several passages point out Jesus’ compassion for people (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34), and we should follow His example.

God is the “God of all comfort,” and He promises that someday all sorrow will be wiped away (2 Corinthians 1:3; Revelation 21:4).

God provides much comfort through His plan, including the forgiveness of sins (which can comfort us from mourning for our sins), the return of Jesus Christ (which will solve the problems of this world that have led to so much suffering), and the resurrection of the dead (which provides hope that those who die will live again).

We are truly blessed to have the knowledge of God’s plan, and the hope that it brings should be a great source of comfort.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” This Beatitude shows us that real happiness comes when we bring ourselves under God’s control and sovereignty. For a Christian, meekness is about surrendering everything to God and being completely at His disposal.

God will not work with those who are proud and haughty (Zephaniah 3:11-12). Meekness is a characteristic of one who is teachable and following God’s way (Psalm 32:8-9).

It’s important to note that meekness isn’t weakness. We should be strong and bold, but temper those qualities by being truly submissive to God and allowing Him to guide and direct our life.

We should also be meek and gentle toward others. Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes, “To be meek toward others implies freedom from malice and a vengeful spirit.”

Notice that Jesus said the meek would “inherit the earth.” This highlights an often-misunderstood truth: God’s plan is for His people to inherit a refreshed and restored earth, not go to heaven. The Bible tell us, “The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not inhabit the earth” (Proverbs 10:30).

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”

This Beatitude shows us the primary standard that brings happiness— righteousness.

There is only one standard of righteousness that a Christian should be interested in: the righteousness of God. God’s righteousness is to be of highest priority and something that we are actively seeking (Matthew 6:33). We should seek God’s righteousness as we seek food and drink—as if our lives depend on it.

Psalm 119 clarifies the biblical definition of righteousness: “For all Your commandments are righteousness” (verse 172).

When we are truly hungry and thirsty, we are eager to fill that need. The hunger reaches the point where it consumes our every waking thought. God knows that mankind has an emptiness that we cannot fill on our own. But He will help us fill it if we go to Him (Psalm 107:9).

Those who make the commitment to God’s way of life and who repent, are baptized, and have the laying on of hands will receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is pictured as “a fountain of water springing up into [leading to] everlasting life” (John 4:14).

God is not aloof and forbidding. When we respond to Him by hungering and thirsting after righteousness, He will work with us to achieve that goal (Isaiah 55:1-3).

(The road to baptism isn’t complicated, but it does require commitment. See our article “What Is Baptism? ” for more about this important topic.)

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

This Beatitude shows us that real happiness comes when we extend mercy to others and when we receive mercy from God.

One of God’s most dominant characteristics in dealing with mankind is His mercy. Mercy is a part of everything He does (Psalm 145:8-9). Since mercy is such an important part of God’s character, those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness will see the need to develop the trait of mercy.

Jesus tells us, “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36). He also called mercy one of “the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23).

Mercy includes being kind, compassionate and forgiving to someone who offended you when it’s in your power to be otherwise. It also includes doing our best to have empathy and understand others’ feelings even when we don’t agree with their reasoning or choices.

Mercy brings happiness because it is a vital principle for enhancing and healing our relationships with other people. Those who fail to show mercy will have contentious and broken relationships.

Another key component of mercy is taking action. The merciful don’t just sit idly by when there’s someone in need. They also don’t stand on the sidelines offering up advice to the downtrodden. Instead, the merciful seize the initiative and actively help others.

One of the best examples of mercy is that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”

This Beatitude shows us that real happiness comes from a life characterized by purity—a heart that is clean, unpolluted and morally pure—as opposed to filthiness.

Our actions matter a lot to God—but the motivation behind those actions matter a great deal to Him too. He pays close attention to what we are like in our hearts, where only He can see (1 Samuel 16:7).

For example, what is in our hearts can be sinful. Jesus magnified the commandment against adultery by saying, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). The pure in heart are sincere in their desire and efforts to worship God (Matthew 15:8-9).

We need to go to God as King David did, entreating, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

The privilege of seeing God is eventually granted to one group in the Bible: those who are holy and pure in God’s eyes. As King David wrote, “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord ? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4).

As the apostle John wrote: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! . . . Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3).

Purity of heart is important because it will enable us to enter God’s family and have an eternal relationship with our Creator God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”

This Beatitude shows that real happiness comes by being at peace with others—and God.

Some of the greatest keys to being a peacemaker have already been covered in the previous six Beatitudes. Some of the character traits that we need to become peacemakers are being poor in spirit, mourning over sin and the suffering of others, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy and being pure in heart.

God views a peacemaker as one who lives in such a way that he or she brings peace to others. A peacemaker doesn’t just prevent conflict, but works to bring about the highest good for others.

In order to help bring peace to others, it is essential that peacemakers practice peace themselves. This peace is obtained by following the righteous law of God. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165). Listening to and obeying God gives us peace.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). Following God in a way that is pleasing to Him will bring peace in the long term. True peace is a result of God’s Holy Spirit working in us (Galatians 5:22).

As Christians, God expects us to strive for peace: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

Those who internalize all of these traits and become peacemakers will receive perhaps the greatest promise in the Bible! That is becoming the very “sons and daughters” of God (2 Corinthians 6:18). The God of the universe has created you with the express intent of bringing you into His eternal family!

The children of God will inherit “all things” (Hebrews 2:8). The peacemakers—those who internalize and live by the traits listed in the Beatitudes by bringing peace to others—will become children of God and reign as “kings and priests . . . on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).

We will be ruling along with Jesus Christ, who also has the title “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The Kingdom that we rule will be defined by peace (Romans 14:17).

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” This final Beatitude says those who are willing to remain faithful even when persecuted will ultimately be blessed with entrance into God’s Kingdom. Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

Notice that the blessing in Matthew 5:10 is promised to those who are persecuted for “righteousness’ sake”—not to those who are persecuted because of their sins or their lack of tact. When we “do good and suffer” and “take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). When we are punished for doing the right thing, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ (verses 21-23).

As a general rule, no one wants to be persecuted. Those who have responded to God’s calling now, however, can deal with it better by focusing on the reward and taking joy when they are considered worthy to suffer persecution for God’s name (Acts 5:41; James 1:2-3).

In the modern Western world, persecution often takes the form of a lost job, being bullied or facing harassment at work or school for what one believes. In some areas of the world, however, becoming a follower of Christ carries the death penalty, and Bible prophecy shows such violent persecution will spread around the world in the end time. Jesus Christ prophesied about a time that will be worse than any other—the Great Tribulation at the end of the age (Matthew 24:21)—and this will include persecution of His people.

Jesus followed His eighth Beatitude with further explanation: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Other passages show this reward is “reserved in heaven” to be “revealed in the last time” at “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:4-5, 7). This will occur at Christ’s return to the earth, since He said, “I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me” (Revelation 22:12). As we saw with the blessing for the meek, Jesus and His saints will rule on the earth (Revelation 5:10).

If we are to be among those who are blessed for being reviled, persecuted and lied about, then we must endure by keeping our eyes on the wonderful promises God has given us throughout the Beatitudes and the rest of the Bible.

The source of real spiritual power

None of us can really fill the emptiness and the discontent that manifests itself as unhappiness in this world. That void can truly be filled only by God. We can’t generate lasting spiritual joy, nor can we find it in some outside circumstance.

We must acknowledge that the Creator is the source of all good things and go to Him.

Having the spiritual traits of character described in the Beatitudes will allow us to experience blessedness and happiness—now and forever.