“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the rich in self-sufficiency and pride, for theirs are the kingdoms of this world.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are those who are blind to their spiritual poverty, for ignorance is bliss.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the dominant, for they think they are in control.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for pleasure, for they will have fun.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are those who keep track of grievances, for they will know the score.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the cynical, for they will see threats and protect themselves.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are the aggressive and stubborn, for they will get their way.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who are oblivious to God’s standard of righteousness, for they are free to serve the kingdoms of this world.
“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.” Matthew 5:1-12
Which blessings have you experienced?
Connecting Dots...to God 
Ouch, and thanks! I’m seeing some of the scorekeeper and cynic in myself. Blessings. Diane
Thanks, Judy, for your take on the Beatitudes and Anti- B’s. I will share this with my small group from church. We are working our way through the B’s now.Have a great restful, relaxing and rejuvenating time away!!Love,Donna
“…Which blessings have you experienced?…”
I’ve experienced all of them, the good and the bad, at various times in my life. Thank God, most of the bad was earlier in my life, but I still suffer some residual side-effects daily.
Me too Larry. It’s way to easy to seek fulfillment in the world instead of in the kingdom of God. I guess we’ll always be works in progress.
Unfortunately, BOTH sets. No. We all start out with only one option as our program of choice. Thanks be to God, that through faith in His son, our eyes and hearts have been opened to the joy and possibility of the beatitudes. So thankful that every day, God gives me the choice to live from the BE-attitudes, instead of being hopelessly impisoned by the ME-attitudes!
Yes, thankful every day! And I wish I had titled this post BE-attitudes and ME-attitudes! Love it! Thanks Sue!
Thank you for this insightful way of looking at the beautitudes . .and the anti ones! It can sound good but the reality of it is so empty and sad. I know! God bless you and yours!
You’re quite welcome Debbie. Blessings back to you!
Another home run, Judy! Sadly, I remember when I was pursuing the wrong list–and sadder still, I didn’t even get the things I was promised in that pursuit! I just ended up unsatisfied/miserable, and looking like a fool, which I was–thank God, He had no intention of letting me loose, and I eventually caught on, joined His team! God bless you BIG–love, sis Caddo
Hi Caddo, I too lived in unconscious pursuit of all the wrong blessings – it just seeps in to our thinking and lifestyles, doesn’t it? Like a leaky foundation that eventually leaves a life rotted and moldy. Yes, thank God he opens our eyes! Big blessings back to you Caddo!
Love this! We just finished the last beatitude tonight with the kids. I think I will bring your post up tomorrow in conversation with them.
Wonderful! How nice to think of you discussing this with your children:). Thanks for letting me know that Lisa!