Blessed are the rich and prosperous, for they already have their reward.
- Blessed are those who seek a trouble-free life, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the strong, for they think they can rule the world.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after fame, but they will not be satisfied.
- Blessed are they that look after number one, for noone else will do that for them.
- Blessed are they that make up their own rules, for they will be seen as successful.
- Blessed are the warmongers, for they will be called macho.
- Blessed are those who persecute the poor, for theirs is the wealth of this world.
- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you. Rejoice and be glad, because sweet is your revenge when you take them to court and win great damages against them.
I am sorry if I have offended anyone. The above is a slightly cynical version of the way many people think or how they live their lives.
Jesus’ real words though were revolutionary, standing received wisdom on its head.
- How can the poor, the meek and those who mourn be truly blessed?
- What does it mean to be blessed?
- Who are the meek, and will they really inherit the earth?
- How should we treat persecution for our beliefs? Rejoice?
Volumes have been written trying to explain what Jesus really meant. I do not intend (for the moment anyhow) to expand on the challenging words of Jesus.
His actual words
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Mathew 5:3-12 NIV)
Compassion and Justice 
The meekness part doesn’t make sense at first read as it suggests weakness and lack of thinking. Certainly the initial dictionary def suggests that BUT look at the Wikipedia explanation and its a more empowering and strong view on being meek. More about controlled response to power than about lying back and taking it!
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