The Beatitudes and Virtues Religion 9

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. People who are poor in spirit do not brag about their accomplishments, and they do not value possessions above what is truly important. Beatitude 1

Virtue Humble (Humility) Ex: Jill receives many expensive gifts for her birthday, but does not brag about them to her friends. 2

Beatitude Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We mourn for things that are lost, missed opportunities and also for all of the good that is possible for the future, but which may not be achieved. 3

Virtue Emotional (Patience) Ex: Max’s grandpa passed away. He is sad and emotional, but he patiently understands that this is part of God’s plan. He focuses on the good times that he spent with his grandpa. 4

Beatitude Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The meek are good, kind, and gentle to everyone, even their enemies. They do not act superior to anyone; they treat others equally and hold themselves to the same standards. 5

Virtue Gentle and Compassionate (Charity/Love) Ex: Jesus was gentle and compassionate when he healed the lepers. Others would not help or chose to ignore the lepers, but Jesus was loving. 6

Beatitude Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. To wish good for yourself and everyone else; the hope that life is right and just. 7

Virtue Justice and Dignity (Temperance) Ex: Jake is the worst basketball player in school, and none of the other students want him on their team. However, Sean always picks Jake first when he is a team captain. Even though Sean would like to pick a better player than Jake, and even though he would like to 8

Beatitude Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Those who are forgiving and understanding, even when it seems impossible, shall also be shown the same forgiveness and understanding when needed. 9

Virtue Forgiveness (Patience) Ex: Sara’s little brother, Jack, is always breaking her things. She is frustrated, and sometimes Sara would like to yell at Jack, or show him how it feels to have his things broken. Instead Sara forgives Jack, because she understands that he is little, and does not realize what he is doing. Sara will just need to be patient while he learns. 10

Beatitude Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Emptying the heart of all that is bad, negative, or unkind, and filling it with all that is good. 11

Virtue Honesty (Chastity) Ex: Beth likes her boyfriend Jeff, but he is more invested in their relationship than she is. Beth doesn’t want to hurt Jeff’s feelings, but she knows that to be fair, she needs to be honest with him, as well as with herself. 12

Beatitude Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons and daughters of God. Peacemakers strive to create unity(relationships) in the world through love. 13

Virtue Reconciling Relationships (Kindness) Ex: Claire hates it when her friends don’t get along. She tries to help her friends find common interests, and helps them to put their differences aside, so that everyone can peacefully co-exist. 14

Beatitude Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. Those who stand up for what they believe in and for what is right, no matter what others say, will be rewarded in heaven. 15

Virtue Hope and Strength (Diligence) Ex: Amy is often criticized for her passion for recycling. People think that it’s silly that she worries about the environment so much, but she continues to pray for the strength to continue doing what is right. She tries not to worry about what others think, and she hopes that one day they will also do what is right. 16