God gave us the commandments, but Jesus goes further by teaching us how to receive blessings from God. The Ten Commandments may keep us from hell, but the Beatitudes draw us closer to God in heaven. Let us look at some of the ways we can grow in grace and receive God’s blessings.
First, we should strive to be poor in spirit. A person who is poor in spirit understands that everything he has comes from God. He remains humble and avoids boasting. We must remember that, compared to the vastness of the universe, we are small and weak. God alone gives our lives meaning and worth.
We live in a broken world, and because we are mortal, we will all experience loss. Mourning the loss of a loved one is good and necessary. Mourning does not make us weak. It shows love. Although mourning brings pain, it can also purify us and change us for the better. When I watched my infant daughter die, I experienced deep suffering, but her life and death helped shape me into a better person over time.
Many people associate meekness with weakness, but true meekness requires strength. A meek person does not avoid action or stay silent out of fear. Instead, he controls his anger and refuses to act impulsively. In comic books, Superman stands as one of the most powerful characters, yet he remains patient and thoughtful. He does not lash out when provoked, and he uses restraint rather than force when restraint is enough.
Our world also stands on the edge of conflict and war. While we may not have the power to stop wars, we can choose to create peace in our own surroundings. Too often, people fan the flames of tense situations and make them worse. The ability to calm conflict and foster peace is a great gift.
Our good works may seem small, but they can still transform the world. Imagine how much better life would be if everyone lived out even a few of the Beatitudes. Jesus promises blessings to those who follow His teachings. These teachings are not always easy, but through practice and God’s grace, we can truly call ourselves blessed.
