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2. The Beatitudes
“3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those
who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you
when men cast insults at you, and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely,
on account of Me.”
(Matthew 5:3-11)
Christ did not come to correct and improve only the deeds of a person, but he wanted first to heal his corrupt motives. Therefore we read about killing and anger and hatred:
“21 You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22)